Illinois well-positioned to take advantage of federal broadband funding

Three years ago, the $45 billion state Rebuild Illinois law directed $420 million alone towards broadband expansion. Under Gov. J.B. Pritzker, the state established its Office of Broadband – a continuation of prior state broadband efforts under former Gov. Pat Quinn – and launched its state program to put these funds in use.

Illinois is benefitting from its foresight. Several projects from the first round of the the state’s Broadband Grant Program have concluded. Others are underway, or providing services in the state. The Office of Broadband is also growing in capacity and collaboration with stakeholders across the state.

Because of these ventures, Illinois officials believe they are uniquely positioned to take advantage of the federal funding coming down the pipeline from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which will provide $42.5 billion for broadband infrastructure. 

First, the state broadband office will deploy planning dollars to engage stakeholders across Illinois. Then, the office will direct the investments to expand broadband access in unserved and underserved areas. 

Illinois’ Office of Broadband recently posted a new request for information soliciting feedback from applicants to the U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s $1 billion Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program. The state broadband office will use the request for information to help align applications, ensure quality, and position the state to make the most of the funding opportunity.