Input needed - Illinois residents invited to complete broadband map challenge process
Springfield, Ill. (April 25, 2024) – Calling all Illinois residents! State leaders need your help. Recently, Illinois was awarded $1.04 billion in federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program funding by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). This funding will ensure that individuals and communities across the state have access to reliable broadband internet.
The BEAD program requires state leaders to prioritize the following:
- Connect unserved locations (areas where available service is 25/3 megabits per second or less).
- Connect underserved locations (areas where available service is at least 25/3 Mbps but less than 100/20 Mbps).
- Connect community anchor institutions to gigabit symmetrical service (1,000/1,000 Mbps).
In order to distribute the funds where they are needed most, the state needs feedback from Illinois residents.
The BEAD challenge process gives individuals the opportunity to correct inaccuracies in the state’s broadband map so it reflects the most up-to-date broadband access information across the state. The updated map will determine which locations are eligible for funding through the BEAD program.
“The BEAD challenge process is another opportunity for residents to ensure the coverage of their homes and business locations are represented accurately,” said Tim LeDonne, Connected Nation Executive Director, State Programs. “BEAD funding can be secured and broadband ultimately brought to, or improved in, those locations.”
Residents can go to BEADchallenge.org to take the internet speed test and submit their results. Don’t wait — the deadline to complete the challenge process is May 6, 2024.
“Now is the time to speak up,” said LeDonne. “Residents have an opportunity to help make sure the broadband coverage planning map is accurate and up to date by coordinating with local government offices, like the county-judge executive, or a nonprofit. Residents can submit three separate speed tests on three separate days, and the state broadband office will use the data they collect to help improve the maps.”
If you are an Illinois resident looking to weigh in, be sure to check out the additional resources below for details on how to complete the challenge process.
TAKE THE SPEED TEST HERE BY MAY 6, 2024!
