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Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program
Note from the IOB: BEAD-funded Connect Illinois Round 4 is subject to change based on the June 6, 2025 NTIA BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice. Please check back for updates.
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) included over $1.3 billion in federal support for the Connect Illinois Broadband Grant Program and related digital equity initiatives. This page will include regular updates on the planning, preparation, and progress underway in advance of historic state-federal collaboration to eliminate the digital divide. All of this work is data driven, applying sophisticated analytics on current conditions and key findings from our ambitious 54-stop statewide listening tour.
All dates referenced in BEAD materials are subject to change, per National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) direction and approval.
Landing Pages, Links, & Resources:
Main landing page with application forms, guidebook and other applicant resources
Pre-Qualification Period
Prevailing Wage for Broadband
Connect Illinois Round 4 Request for Input
BEAD Map Challenge Process
Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program (IIJA)
Archived Documents
These documents are superseded by the June 6, 2025 NTIA BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice.
- Initial Proposal, Volume I | BEAD Location/CAI Identification & Challenge Process
- Initial Proposal, Volume II | BEAD Subgrantee Selection Process
- Draft for Public Comment (September 2023)
- Final version (Approved by NTIA) - Approved by NTIA on June 13, 2024; Updated December 2024
- Initial Proposal Public Comment Summary
- BEAD basics: BEAD 101 webinar or view the slides
Please refer to this page for updates regarding draft content, timelines, and procedures. Questions can be directed to broadband@illinois.gov.
To report fraud, waste, or abuse, contact the Office of the Inspector General at (866) 814-1113 or file a complaint.