Benton Institute for Broadband & Society - Illinois

Sen Dick Durbin Visits Dominican, Meets with Student Digital Navigators

zwalker@benton.org — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 21:07:18 +0000

Sen Dick Durbin (D-IL) visited Dominican University to discuss the $2.5 million in federal funding the university received through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program that has helped enhance information technology capabilities and close the digital divide for students. Sen Durbin visited one of seven classrooms that, thanks to a portion of the grant proceeds, received technological upgrades to support a hybrid of in-person and remote learning. There, he met with a group of students, most of them digital navigator interns. Their work, which is funded through the grant, has included cybersecurity awareness for students and surveying the student body for guidance in identifying IT priorities on campus. Sen Durbin also spoke with IT personnel and university leaders.

Benton Content:

https://www.dom.edu/university-news/sen-dick-durbin-visits-dominican-meets-stude…

Teaser:

Sen Dick Durbin visited Dominican University

Source:

Dominican University

Send date:

Wed, 04/24/2024

Daily Digest:

Daily Digest 4/23/2024

DD Publish Status:

Not Available

Include summary in newsletter email:

Publish Date:

Tue, 04/23/2024

Coverage Type:

Press Release

Community Anchor Institutions

Schools/Universities

Digital Equity/Digital Inclusion

Digital Divide

Digital Literacy

Federal Agency

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

Federal Broadband Programs

Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program

Internet/Broadband

Marginalized Populations

Individuals who are Members of a Racial or Ethnic Minority Group

Mapping and Spatial Analysis to Expand Rural Broadband Access

zwalker@benton.org — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 19:02:31 +0000

High-speed broadband internet access is a critically important issue for many aspects of daily life, yet populations in rural areas are often unserved or underserved with reliable internet connectivity. Expanding broadband internet coverage in rural areas may have significant economic potential, especially since it enables precision farming which in turn increases yields, particularly for row crops such as corn and soybeans. This paper introduces methods that utilize GIS spatial analysis and remote sensing to assist in efforts to expand rural broadband access using case study counties in Illinois. Specifically, the methods presented here: (1) quantify current cropland production as well as future potential production in currently unserved or underserved rural areas; and (2) automate mapping of vertical assets from Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data that may be utilized as high points to expand broadband coverage. Collectively, these methodologies may be used for policy advocacy and to inform the decision-making process as future broadband expansion initiatives are considered in rural areas.

Benton Content:

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23754931.2024.2332238

Teaser:

These methodologies may be used for policy advocacy and to inform the decision-making process as future broadband expansion initiatives are considered in rural areas

Source:

Papers in Applied Geography

Author:

John Kostelnick

Jonathan Thayn

Koushik Sinha

Send date:

Wed, 04/24/2024

Daily Digest:

Daily Digest 4/23/2024

DD Publish Status:

Not Available

Include summary in newsletter email:

Publish Date:

Tue, 04/23/2024

Coverage Type:

Marginalized Populations

Individuals who primarily Reside in a Rural Area

Research

Headlines Specific Topic:

Benton Foundation

Illinois’ Digital Equity Plan Accepted

zwalker@benton.org — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 22:05:19 +0000

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has accepted Illinois’ Digital Equity plan. Using $1,515,352.64 from the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program, Illinois created a plan aimed at addressing disparities in digital access, skills and affordability across the state. NTIA has accepted digital equity plans from all 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico. On March 29th, 2024, NTIA launched the $1.44 billion Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. Under the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), states and territories can apply for funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to begin implementation of their accepted digital equity plans.

Benton Content:

https://www.internetforall.gov/news-media/illinois-digital-equity-plan-accepted

Teaser:

NTIA has accepted Illinois' Digital Equity Plan

Source:

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

Send date:

Fri, 04/12/2024

Daily Digest:

Daily Digest 4/11/2024

DD Publish Status:

Not Available

Include summary in newsletter email:

Publish Date:

Thu, 04/11/2024

Coverage Type:

Press Release

A Holistic Vision for Digital Skills in the Heart of the Midwest: How Illinois is Investing its Digital Equity and Broadband Funds

zwalker@benton.org — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 16:32:37 +0000

The federal Digital Equity Act and the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program will collectively send more than $1 billion to Illinois, and state officials have been working for more than a year to lay out their roadmap for implementation. The State Digital Equity Plan describes how Illinois officials envision supporting broadband adoption, digital devices, and digital skills, while the BEAD 5-year Action Plan and Initial Proposal Vol. II lay out the state’s plans for building out broadband access and increasing affordability and adoption for the 12+ million residents of Illinois. Some highlights of the plan include:

Building on local momentum
Intentional connections to broader statewide goals
Investments in digital skills will help achieve broadband adoption goals
An emerging partnership with workforce development
Key stopgap investments to support practitioners on the ground
A commitment to shared data

Benton Content:

https://nationalskillscoalition.org/blog/future-of-work/a-holistic-vision-for-di…

Teaser:

The Illinois Digital Equity Plan can serve as a model for advocates interested in advancing digital equity work in their own states and communities

Source:

National Skills Coalition

Author:

Amanda Bergson-Shilcock

Send date:

Wed, 04/10/2024

Daily Digest:

Daily Digest 4/9/2024

DD Publish Status:

Not Available

Include summary in newsletter email:

Publish Date:

Tue, 04/09/2024

Coverage Type:

Analysis

End of internet subsidies for low-income households threatens access to telehealth

benton — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 14:34:24 +0000

The importance of high-speed internet was seared into the American psyche by scenes of children sitting in parking lots and outside fast-food restaurants to attend school online during the COVID-19 pandemic. During that same period, health care providers and patients like Cindy Westman say being connected also became a vital part of today’s health care delivery system. Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) participant Westman said her internet connection has become so important to her access to health care she would sell “anything that I own” to stay connected. Westman lives in the small town of Eureka, Illinois, and has been diagnosed with genetic and immune system disorders. Her 12-year-old daughter has cerebral palsy and autism. She steered the $30 saved on her internet through the ACP toward taking care of her daughter, paying for things such as driving 30 minutes west to Peoria, Illinois, for two physical therapy appointments each week. And with an internet connection, Westman can access online medical records, and whenever possible, she uses telehealth appointments to avoid the hour-plus drive to specialty care.

Benton Content:

https://www.marketplace.org/2024/04/02/internet-subsidies-low-income-households-…

Teaser:

Expanding telehealth is a common reason health care providers around the U.S. joined efforts to sign their patients up for the ACP

Source:

Minnesota Public Radio

Author:

Sarah Jane Tribble

Send date:

Wed, 04/03/2024

Daily Digest:

Daily Digest 4/2/2024

DD Publish Status:

Not Available

Include summary in newsletter email:

Publish Date:

Tue, 04/02/2024

Coverage Type:

Reporting

Headlines Specific Topic:

Coronavirus and Connectivity

Kendall County, Illinois Receives $15 Million for Broadband

zwalker@benton.org — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 15:27:00 +0000

A $15 million grant from the Illinois Office of Broadband will make Kendall County’s plan to provide high-speed internet to nearly all residents of the County possible. Kendall County announced that with the grant award, it intends to develop a public-private partnership that will result in more than $40 million in investment in a community-owned broadband network. The network will provide broadband access to portions of the County not currently served high-speed internet, allow for an expanded public safety communication network, provide the best and most cost-effective access to other government agencies, and support economic development. More than 1,900 homes in Kendall County are considered unserved or underserved with internet access. The Connect Kendall County Commission was established in 2023 by the County Board to study connectivity and ways to deliver high-speed internet across Kendall County. As part of the public-private partnership, Pivot Tech plans to bring more than $25 million in additional private capital and project-based revenue bonds to finance the project.

Benton Content:

https://www.kendallcountyil.gov/Home/Components/News/News/5792/16

Teaser:

A $15 million grant from the Illinois Office of Broadband will make Kendall County’s plan to provide high-speed internet to nearly all residents of the County possible

Source:

Kendall County

Send date:

Mon, 03/25/2024

Daily Digest:

Daily Digest 3/22/2024

DD Publish Status:

Not Available

Include summary in newsletter email:

Publish Date:

Fri, 03/22/2024

Coverage Type:

Marginalized Populations

Individuals who primarily Reside in a Rural Area

Illinois Launches BEAD Challenge Process

Grace Tepper — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 00:08:44 +0000

The Illinois Office of Broadband formally launched its Challenge Process on February 20, 2024, starting the 120-day clock to get the broadband map right. The Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Challenge Process gives Illinois non-profits, local governments, residents, and internet service providers the opportunity to weigh in on the broadband availability map to ensure funding is going where it is needed most. In line with National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) guidance, the Challenge Phase will open 7 days after the publication of the Challenge Process timeline, which means that eligible challengers can start submitting challenges on February 27. During this window, the Office of Broadband will host office hours, webinars, and technical assistant support. Tune into the upcoming webinar on Wednesday, February 21 from 12-1 pm for the first challenge portal training, highlighting the different paths to submitting a challenge. More information on the Challenge Process can be found on the Illinois Office of Broadband website.

Benton Content:

https://dceo.illinois.gov/connectillinois/bead.html

Teaser:

The Illinois Office of Broadband formally launches its BEAD Challenge Process.

Source:

Illinois Office of Broadband

Send date:

Wed, 02/21/2024

Daily Digest:

Daily Digest 2/20/2024

DD Publish Status:

Not Available

Include summary in newsletter email:

Publish Date:

Tue, 02/20/2024

Coverage Type:

Public Notice

Agenda

Upcoming policy issue

Digital Divide

Federal Agency

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

Federal Broadband Programs

Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

Level of Government

Federal

State

Illinois Broadband Director is a State Broadband Veteran

zwalker@benton.org — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 17:26:06 +0000

Illinois Broadband Director Matt Schmit is no newbie, nor is the state’s broadband office. In 2019, Illinois’ $45 billion capital investment plan included $400 million to fund a new broadband program that would be dubbed “Connect Illinois.” That summer, Schmit was recruited from Minnesota to stand up the office that would oversee the grant program and Illinois’ broadband efforts. Schmit was impressed by the state’s commitment to broadband infrastructure, it’s past approach to American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding a decade earlier, and the fact that Illinois was home to strong institutional support, such as the University of Illinois System, the University of Chicago, and the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society. Illinois was impressed with Minnesota’s Border-to-Border program, which Schmit had played a large part in creating while serving as Minnesota state senator. Minnesota was ahead of the curve, and Illinois would be, too.

Benton Content:

https://www.telecompetitor.com/illinois-broadband-director-is-a-state-broadband-…

Teaser:

In a world that’s experiencing an influx of new professionals, Illinois Broadband Director Matt Schmit is no newbie

Source:

telecompetitor

Author:

Doug Adams

Send date:

Wed, 02/21/2024

Daily Digest:

Daily Digest 2/20/2024

DD Publish Status:

Not Available

Include summary in newsletter email:

Publish Date:

Tue, 02/20/2024

Coverage Type:

Reporting

Agenda

Upcoming policy issue

Digital Equity/Digital Inclusion

Digital Divide

Federal Agency

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

Federal Broadband Programs

Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program

Internet/Broadband

Universal Broadband

Legislation

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

Level of Government

State

Policymakers

What's Your State's Digital Equity Plan?

benton — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 12:00:23 +0000

Monday, February 12, 2024

Digital Beat

What's Your State's Digital Equity Plan?

Tepper

To achieve true digital equity, deploying broadband to every household in the United States will not be enough. What is also needed are robust, comprehensive programs that address the human side of closing the digital divide and ensuring everyone has access to the technologies, skills, and opportunities necessary to thrive.

Digital equity is fundamentally concerned with promoting full participation in the digital economy and society by all. Achievement of digital equity requires strategic investments in human and community capacity.

Over the last seven months and with funding from the Digital Equity Act's State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have released draft digital equity plans for public review and comment.

Prior to these efforts, only California had developed a statewide digital equity plan. By creating their own plans, states can identify barriers to digital equity and outline specific measures aimed at addressing those barriers. Once these plans are approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), states will be able to apply for funds from the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program to implement those plans. NTIA required each plan to include a clear description of the state’s vision for digital equity in the context of its overarching strategy and goals.

The focus of the plans is...

The availability of, and affordability of access to, fixed and wireless broadband technology;
The online accessibility and inclusivity of public resources and services;
Digital literacy;
Awareness of, and the use of, measures to secure the online privacy of, and cybersecurity with respect to, an individual; and
The availability and affordability of consumer devices and technical support for those devices.

...and how these objectives impact and interact with states':

Economic and workforce development goals, plans, and outcomes;
Educational outcomes;
Health outcomes;
Civic and social engagement; and
Delivery of other essential services.

Congress intended that the plans specifically address the barriers to digital equity faced by eight covered populations, including:

My team at the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society has been reviewing the draft plans and providing brief summaries. Today we note that we've published summaries of all 52 plans and are sharing links to each of them below.

Plan Summary	State Office
Envisioning a Connected, Interconnected Alabama	Alabama Department for Economic an Community Affairs
Alaska's Plan to Address Broadband Adversity	Alaska Broadband Office
Centering Communities in Arizona's Digital Equity Plan	Arizona Commerce Authority
Developing Digital Skills and Opportunity in Arkansas	Arkansas State Broadband Office (ARConnect)
A New Chapter of Digital Equity Work in California	California Department of Technology
Coloradans at the Heart of State's Digital Access Plan	Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
Everyone Connected: Connecticut's Digital Equity Plan	Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Commission for Educational Technology
A Plan for Digital Equity in Delaware	Delaware Broadband Office
Florida's Roadmap for Closing the Digital Divide	Office of Broadband
Georgia's Plan for Digital Connectivity	Georgia Technology Authority
Aloha Spirit Inspires Hawai'i Digital Equity Plan	Hawai'i Broadband and Digital Equity Office at University of Hawai'i
A Digital Access Plan for All Idahoans	Idaho Commission for Libraries
The Plan for a Connected Illinois	Illinois Office of Broadband, Illinois Extension
A Plan to Transform Indiana's Digital Equity Landscape	Indiana Broadband Office
Addressing Digital Equity Needs in Iowa	Division of Information Technology
A Digital Equity Plan to Connect All Kansans	Office of Broadband Development
Kentucky Pursues Full and Equitable Digital Access for All	Department of Workforce Development
A Look at Louisiana's Draft Digital Equity Plan	Louisiana Office of Broadband Development & Connectivity (ConnectLA)
Maine's Vision of Digital Equity	Maine Connectivity Authority
Equity for the Digital Age: Maryland's Plan	Maryland Office of Statewide Broadband
Massachusetts' Unified Vision of Digital Equity	Massachusetts Broadband Institute
Communities Know Communities Best: Michigan's Digital Equity Plan	Michigan High Speed Internet Office
What a Digitally Equitable Minnesota Could Look Like—And How to Get There	Minnesota Office of Broadband Development
Digital Skills and Accessibility in Mississippi	Office of Broadband Expansion and Accessibility of Mississippi (BEAM)
Missouri Pursues Sustainable Digital Opportunity Initiatives	Missouri Department of Economic Development
Montana's Digital Opportunity Plan	Montana Broadband Office
Creating Digital Opportunity in Nebraska	Nebraska Information Technology Commission
The Plan for Closing Nevada’s Digital Divide	Office of Science, Innovation and Technology
Equitable Participation in Today's Digital World: New Hampshire's Plan	New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs \| National Collaborative for Digital Equity (NCDE) \| University of New Hampshire Extension \| Digital Equity Research Center (DERC)
A Plan for Connecting New Jersey	NJ Office of Broadband & Connectivity
New Mexico's Plan for an Inclusive and Prosperous Society	Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE)
In a New York State of Digital Equity	ConnectALL
A Vision and a Mission for Digital Equity in North Carolina	North Carolina Department of Information Technology, Division of Broadband and Digital Equity
North Dakota's Collective Approach to Digital Equity	North Dakota Information Technology
Achieving a Digitally Inclusive Ohio	BroadbandOhio
Fulfilling Oklahoma's Digital Promise	Oklahoma Broadband Office
Oregon's Plan for Meaningful Broadband Access	Oregon Broadband Office
Connected and Empowered: A Digital Equity Plan for Pennsylvania	Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority
¡Su opinión cuenta! Puerto Rico Releases Initial Draft of Digital Equity Plan \| ¡Su Opinión Cuenta! Puerto Rico Pública el Borrador Inicial del Plan de Equidad Digital	Puerto Rico Broadband Program
A Wholistic Digital Equity Plan for Rhode Island	ConnectRI – the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation
Creating a Foundation of Digital Equity in South Carolina	Digital Opportunity Department
South Dakota's Plan to Leverage Digital Equity to Reach Economic Goals	Office of Economic Development
Tennessee Drafts a Digital Opportunity Plan	Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
Guiding Texas' Digital Opportunity Investments	Texas Broadband Development Office
Achieving Digital Independence in Utah	Utah Broadband Center
Developing Digital Equity Solutions in Vermont	Vermont Community Broadband Board
Connectivity in the Commonwealth: Virginia's Plan	Department of Housing and Community Development
Washington State Sets Digital Equity Goals	Washington State Broadband Office
Working Towards Digital Equity in DC	DC Office of the Chief Technology Officer's (OCTO) State Broadband and Digital Equity Office
West Virginia's Plan to Conquer the Digital Divide	West Virginia Department of Economic Development
Wisconsin's Digital Equity Values	Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
Wyoming Seeks Feedback on Digital Access Plan	Wyoming Broadband Office

Grace Tepper is the Senior Writing Associate at the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society

The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that all people in the U.S. have access to competitive, High-Performance Broadband regardless of where they live or who they are. We believe communication policy - rooted in the values of access, equity, and diversity - has the power to deliver new opportunities and strengthen communities.

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Kevin Taglang
Executive Editor, Communications-related Headlines
Benton Institute
for Broadband & Society
1041 Ridge Rd, Unit 214
Wilmette, IL 60091
847-220-4531
headlines AT benton DOT org

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State Profiles

Planning for a ‘Broadband Breakthrough’ – Rural Illinois Counties Prepare for ‘Once-in-a-Generation’ Funding Opportunity

zwalker@benton.org — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:48:34 +0000

Peggy Braffet and her husband think about broadband a lot. When guests show up to their pick-your-own berry farm, they sometimes expect to be able to pay with credit cards, but the Braffets' slow internet connection won't allow it. The Braffet’s frustration, compounded by the fact that neighbors just a half-mile away have fast internet, reflects that of many rural Illinois residents. An influx of federal dollars included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 may offer a path forward, and some Illinois county and business leaders are readying themselves for investment with a new program from the Benton Institute for Broadband and Society. Within Illinois, internet service providers, called ISPs, will submit applications to help pay for the construction of new internet lines. Counties that went through the Broadband Breakthrough program created plans that outlined how they’d target infrastructure money, giving the counties and their chosen ISP partners an advantage in the application process, said Adrianne B. Furniss, the Benton Institute’s executive director. In Hancock County, at least two internet service providers have already applied for and will continue to apply for broadband expansion grants as the federal dollars become available, said Samantha Harnack, executive director of Hancock County Economic Development. Those relationships, and having a concrete plan in place for expansion, are key to being approved, she said. “The state is 100% not going to give anyone a grant that doesn’t have their ducks in a row,” Harnack said. “The federal government, same thing.”

Benton Content:

https://dailyyonder.com/planning-for-a-broadband-breakthrough-rural-illinois-cou…

Teaser:

A project in Illinois is designed to help some rural counties take their best shot at winning their fair share of broadband funding

Source:

Daily Yonder

Author:

Will Wright

Send date:

Thu, 02/01/2024

Daily Digest:

Daily Digest 1/31/2024