Governor Pritzker launched a statewide initiative in August 2019, Connect Illinois, to expand broadband access across the entire state. The Illinois Department of Commerce is conducting a map challenge for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. Click here to review BEAD Info Sheet. $1.04 billion in BEAD funding has been allocated to Illinois to provide high-speed internet access to the 230,000 households, small businesses, and community anchor institutions (CAIs) that can’t get access to at least 100/20 Mbps service or 1/1 Gbps service. Illinois residents without access to high-speed internet service cannot use essential online services such as telehealth, remote education, digital commerce, and more, which prevents them from participating in the 21st century digital economy. How can you get involved? Illinois community organizations, non-profits, and local governments can register to participate in the Illinois BEAD Challenge Process, to help us get the broadband map right.
Challenge Process
Let’s get the map right!
What is the challenge process?
The challenge process gives Illinoisians an opportunity to correct inaccuracies in the state’s broadband map so it reflects the most up-to-date broadband access across the state. The updated map will determine which locations are eligible for funding through the BEAD program.
Who is eligible to submit a challenge?
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) rules allow units of local government, non-profit organizations, and internet service providers to submit challenges. Individuals in Illinois can participate by visiting BEADchallenge.org and following the instructions for taking internet speed tests and submitting the results, or by coordinating with registered local governments or non-profits to submit a challenge. The Bead Challenge link allow Illinois residents concerned about the quality of their connection can conduct and submit speed tests three times, on three separate days at beadchallenge.org. Visit DCEO.illinois.gov/BEADchallenge to get involved.
When is the challenge process happening?
Illinois intends to launch its challenge process in mid-January and it will be open for at least two weeks. Final timing depends on approval from NTIA.