Illinois Broadband
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Free Sign up Illinois BroadbandCities in California and Illinois Challenge FCC’s Preemptive Reforms
Local governments warned wildfire regions need stronger resiliency protections.
Empowering Rural Alberta with an Open Access FTTH Network
The Council adopted a multi-year Open Access
program to deliver county-wide high-speed connectivity.
The Need for Ongoing Network Performance Monitoring by U.S. States
Establishing Best Practices for U.S. State Broadband Program Accountability
Illinois Repeals Nuclear Ban as Power Needs Grow
Citing grid reliability and cost control, Pritzker welcomed the bill to his desk as lawmakers pushed for long-term clean-energy investment.
Protecting The Nation's Critical Communications Infrastructure From Theft & Vandalism - Fall 2025
Fiber cuts and related acts can paralyze critical operations, creating cascading disruptions that may affect millions of citizens simultaneously.
The 5G Promise Falls Short of Reality: Examining Economic Impact Claims
To protect economic and public safety interests, regulators, legislators, law enforcement, municipalities, and communications providers must work together.
Illinois Court Tosses Local Application Fees for Broadband Projects
A judge ruled the fees were prohibited under state law.
Accurate Broadband Coverage Data Still an Issue for BEAD, Experts Say
They predicted a substantial number of homes and businesses were missed by eligibility maps.
Illinois to Spend More Than 95 Percent of $1 Billion BEAD Budget
The 46 states that have reported results are collectively more than $17 billion under budget.
Study Says AI Chatbots Inconsistent in Handling Suicide-Related Queries
A new study found popular AI chatbots avoid the highest-risk suicide questions but give inconsistent responses to less direct prompts.
Illinois Democrats Urge Lutnick to Reinstate the Digital Equity Act Funds
Backlash continues following termination of $2.75 billion program.
Meta Signs 20-Year Deal With Constellation Energy
Tech companies investing in nuclear energy.
Surf Internet Expands to the Great Lakes Region
Fiber optic company plans to double its covered area by the end of 2025.
Illinois Moves Forward on BEAD as Federal Overhaul Looms
Ports commission urges Congress not to stall broadband rollout, as state launches second funding round
Mercury Broadband Stares Down $25 Million Penalty for Surrendering RDOF Locations
Company petitions FCC to reduce expected penalty
Where Fiber Doesn't Fit
There are a variety of technologies to consider for environments where fiber isn't a viable option
States Moving Ahead With BEAD Processes
The Commerce Department issued a 90-day extension on final spending plans.
States Push Forward with Fiber-Heavy BEAD Applications
Virginia reports 91% end-to-end fiber proposals received in first funding round.
Chicago Quantum Corridor Nourishes Neighborhood Transformation in AI World
The Quantum Corridor on Chicago's South Side is designed to expand American competitiveness in the 21st century world.
States Continue Fielding BEAD Applications
Missouri quickly opened a 'sub-round' seeking applications fro homes and businesses that didn't receive bids.
Ookla Releases 5G Availability Data For Each State
T-Mobile found to have greatest 5G availability among users.
Affordable Connectivity Program's End Spurs State-Level Action on Broadband
States are exploring new approaches to maintain broadband affordability for low-income households.
Sean Gonsalves: States Should Consider Adopting Affordable Broadband Laws
Massachusetts is advancing legislation to provide $15 monthly broadband service to low-income residents.
NTIA Awards $23 Million to Illinois for Digital Equity
Funds will help jump start key digital equity initiatives.
Mercury Broadband Defaults on Hundreds of RDOF Locations
Largest default was in Michigan, with 640 Census Block Groups
Cable One, Mercury Broadband Default on RDOF Locations
FCC decided not to provide blanket amnesty for RDOF defaults.
Kendall County, Illinois, Builds Its Own Fiber Network After Being Snubbed By Big ISPs
The fiber-plus-fixed wireless project is estimated to cost $67 million to connect more than 13,000 county locations.
Illinois to Launch Next Phases of Connect Illinois, Waits on NTIA
Illinois says that the Connect Illinois program is the largest state broadband funding program in the U.S.
Harris Accepts Democratic Nomination, Vows Support for Rule of Law and Common Sense
Artificial intelligence only tech or telecom issue mentioned by Harris in acceptance speech.
Rural Leaders See Their Hospitals Closing Without Robust Broadband
The Biden administration's broadband initiatives were described as crucial for saving rural hospitals.
In Chicago, Democratic Mayors Hail Biden’s Infrastructure Agenda
'If it weren't for these investments, you wouldn't be seeing economic comeback in cities across the country.'
Union Leaders Applaud Harris for Historic Broadband Investment and Job Creation
Union leaders lauded the BEAD program's pro-union and workforce protection provisions.
In Chicago, Democratic Mayors Urge Action to Preserve Affordable Internet
Mayors nationwide strategized to protect vulnerable communities from losing vital internet access.
Social Media Influencers to Take the Stage at Chicago Convention
Each night of the DNC will feature a speech by at least one influencer.
Broadband, CHIPS Act, Green Energy, Other Tech Issues in Democratic Platform
The platform links together investments in broadband infrastructure with policies promoting semiconductors and green energy.
Harris-Walz Announce Largest Digital Ad Buy In Presidential History
The campaign's $200 million digital ad buy reflects the growing influence of streaming and social media in shaping modern elections.
At DNC, Experts Sound Alarm on AI's Role in Election Misinformation
Even as deceptive content proliferates, social media companies have sharply downsized their election integrity departments.
Biden-Harris Infrastructure Coordinator Co-Chair of the Democratic National Convention
Biden's infrastructure czar among the four political leaders tapped to chair the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
SiFi Announces T-Mobile Fiber Partnership
The partnership will expand fiber networks across five cities in four states.
Advice from Midwest State Broadband Heads on BEAD
Directors talk provider default prevention and fixed wireless technology.
Surf Internet Expands Fiber In Partnership With Newton County, Indiana
The company will contribute $6.6 million to the new endeavor.
Illinois Program Establishes County Broadband Plans
The program helps rural communities develop a broadband plan for universal coverage.
Connected Complexity: The Journey to Modern Fiber Networks in Chicago
Many areas of Chicago rely on outdated and privately-owned telecommunication networks.
NTIA Approves Four State BEAD Volume Two
NTIA approved BEAD initial proposal volume two for Illinois, Oregon, Colorado, New Hampshire and Puerto Rico.
Broadband People: New Director for Illiniois Office of Broadband
Devon Braunstein, the current assistant director, will be heading the office.
FCC Hits Pause On Bank Ratings Firm After Hearing Concerns, Complaints
For one year, FCC won't use Weiss ratings for banks' letters of credit of RDOF, CAF II winners.
Vermont to Start BEAD Challenge Process
Four other states are accepting challenges and three more are planning to begin the process soon.
Illinois, Indiana and Georgia Announce Plans for BEAD Challenges
Illinois aims to kick off the challenge process on Monday, January 29, and Indiana plans a March 4 start
FCC and State AGs on Cybersecurity, FCC Approves Starlink, Verizon and Zebra on 5G
The FCC is partnering with state attorneys general to crack down on cybersecurity measures.
SiFi Network’s Placentia FiberCity First of Company’s Communities to Go Live
New SiFi FiberCity live with two more to be announced soon.
FCC Commits $2.5 Million from Emergency Connectivity Fund
The FCC inches closer to exhausting the $7.17 billion fund.
Broadband Mapping Masterclass on September 27, 2022
Learn how your ISP and community can avoid the broadband mapping trainwreck.
Illinois Credits Success of State Broadband Maps to Ground-Up Approach
State officials discussed working with academic, community and industry partners to craft its broadband maps.
Broadband Breakfast on August 24, 2022 – Summer of Broadband: Illinois
On August 24, Broadband Breakfast Editor and Publisher Drew Clark will return to the Land of Lincoln.
States Broadband Offices Outline Plans for Billions in Broadband Funds
Officials from Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine and New Mexico outline how they are preparing for broadband funding.
Partnerships Likely to Be Deciding Factor in State Distribution of BEAD Funds, Say Experts
State and federal broadband policy experts agreed that partnerships would be instrumental to spending $42.5 billion in broadband funds.
FCC Announces $43 Million in COVID-19 Telehealth Subsidies
The Federal Communication said the awards will help connect patients to critical health services during a new wave of Covid-19.
Federal Court Blocks Social Media Law, Illinois Broadband Initiative, Fiber Leads for Telecom Giants
A Texas court blocked enforcement of a social media that would prevent companies from removing extreme speech.
Another $700 Million for 26 States Through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund
Over 400,000 locations across the U.S. will get broadband in this funding wave.
Sustainability and Scalability are Crucial For State Broadband Projects, Say State Experts
Partnerships for broadband need to emphasize community engagement to improve connectivity
New York Drops $15 Internet, Lumen Gets Army Contract, Illinois Signs Telehealth Bill
New York drops $15 internet after interim court decision, Lumen gets army contract for broadband, Illinois allows telehealth for all.
Tech Companies Delay Reopening, Facial Recognition Lawsuit, Facebook Privacy Policies
Tech companies are hesitant to reopen their offices, Axios reported. Many companies have announced that employees will be able to telework through the end of the year, although several had previously planned to allow some employees to resume in-office work before that. Snapchat announced Tuesday tha
CostQuest and The CommLaw Group Join to Host Fine-Grained Webinar on Rural Digital Opportunity Fund
TYSONS, Virginia, and CINCINNATI, Ohio, April 14, 2020 – Marashlian & Donahue, PLLC, The CommLaw Group, and CostQuest Associates have announced a free webinar, “How to Prepare and Effectively Bid in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Auction,” on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, at 12 Noon ET. The webinar will
Although Privacy is on a Back Burner, California May Outdo Its Own State Law in November
April 1, 2020 –States have put privacy legislation on a back burner during the coronavirus pandemic. At the same time, even the well-known California Consumer Privacy Act may be superseded by a new referendum, the California Privacy Rights Act, to be placed on the state’s ballot in November. Passed
Tech Industry Pushes Back Against EARNIT, Microsoft on Digital Divide, Satellite Analyzer-in-the-cloud
The Computer and Communications Industry Association and four other internet trade groups sent a letter Thursday to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., to protest aspects of the proposed Eliminating Abusive and Rampant Neglect of Interact
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Applications for Municipalities and States to Join Key FCC Intergovernmental Advisory Committee Due Monday
WASHINGTON, March 7, 2018 – Local government officials seeking to offer a corrective tonic on broadband deployment to the Federal Communications Commission may consider applying for the expanded Intergovernmental Advisory Committee. Nominations for the more-than-10-year-old group are due on Monday,
At Inaugural AnchorNETs Conference in Silicon Valley, The Broadband Talk is About Public-Private Partnerships
MOUNTAIN VIEW, November 24, 2015 – Community broadband institutions are a key building block to accelerate deployment of high-capacity internet service, said speakers and panelists at the inaugural Anchornets conference here last week. Such community institutions also play a vital role in facilitat
Community Broadband Center Leaders to Gather in Silicon Valley for AnchorNETS and NTIA Event on November 16-17
MOUNTAIN VIEW, California – Local broadband institutions seeking to leverage high-speed connectivity for the benefit of their broader communities will benefit from attending the inaugural AnchorNETS conference [http://www.anchornets.com/] here on November 16 and 17. Sponsored by the Schools, Health
Illinois CIO Hardik Bhatt Addresses Need for ‘Smart City’ Technology to Run State Government
CHICAGO, Illinois, October 6, 2015 – State government need to use “Smart Cities” information technology to leapfrog to leadership among competing states, said Hardik Bhatt, chief information officer for the state of Illinois, speaking on Wednesday at the City Club here. Bhatt, the former CIO for th
Kentucky Deploys State-Wide Fiber Network Through Public Private Partnership with Macquarie Capital
LEXINGTON, Kentucky, September 21, 2015 – The lieutenant governor of Kentucky, a bevy of state officials and their private sector counterparts here celebrated the finalization of the deal to build a $324 million broadband infrastructure project. The project, KentuckyWired, is a public-private partn
Important Resources for Broadband and Planning
SPRINGFIELD, Mass., September 16, 2014 – Below are several links of interest to professionals involved in broadband planning: PLANNING RESOURCES “Partnership for a Connected Illinois and Internet Expansion in Illinois 1996 to 2011,” By Drew Clark and Layton Olson, Spring 2012, American Planning Asso
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