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.

• 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