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SCAM ALERT: DCEO has been made aware of organizations receiving fraudulent “notice of award” letters claiming to be from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. These are not legitimate notices from DCEO. If your organization receives a notice, please report it to the Federal Trade Commission and/or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Illinois Broadband Advisory Council

To inform and advise the Connect Illinois program, the Governor-appointed Illinois Broadband Advisory Council convened in August 2019. The 25-member council includes representation from various internet service providers, state agency officials and legislators, and certain broadband-related stakeholders.

Broadband Advisory Council Act
Broadband Advisory Council By-Laws adopted August 19, 2019

Powers and Duties

  • Explore all ways to expand broadband availability to end-user customers, including in areas of income, business, education, health and aging in place
  • Explore ways to encourage state and municipal expansion of new broadband services
  • Explore, cooperate and assist with increased educational, career, workforce preparation including expansion of electronic and distance educational services
  • Identify service barriers to residents and small businesses
  • Research ways to eliminate adoption barriers
  • Publish FCC data rates in the Illinois register within 60 days of release
  • Promote awareness and new deployment of public web portals, including audio and video streaming of all public meetings
  • Monitor other states broadband progress
  • Serve as broadband advocate for all state entities
  • Receive input from all Illinois broadband stakeholders and advise GO on remedying service to underserved areas
  • Report to the General Assembly on or before Jan 1st on action taken by the Council in implementing provisions set forth by the Act