News tagged with universal service fund

FCC: Nearly 400,000 Unserved Americans in Rural Communities Will Gain Access to High-Speed Internet Within Three Years
Washington, D.C. – The Federal Communications Commission today announced that nearly 400,000 residents and small business owners in 37 states will gain access to high-speed Internet within three years, as a result of the first phase of the ‘Connect America Fund.’ About $115 million of public funding will be coupled with tens of millions more in private investment to quickly expand broadband infrastructure to rural communities in every region of the nation. Many projects will begin immediately, and all projects must be completed within three years.
Working to Get Illinois Using Broadband
Broadband is about more than wires and fiber, it’s about connecting people to better lives though better opportunities. Observers have long recognized that we must address the needs of those who have not yet migrated to the digital age—If we are not careful, they will be the digital have-nots. While 97 percent of Americans have access to telephone service, adoption of broadband remains at 69 percent. Illinois has kept exactly in line with this nationwide rate, but that means we still fall behind 23 other states.
Partnership for a Connected Illinois 1337 Wabash Ave. Springfield, IL 62704 Phone: (217) 886-4228 Fax: (217) 718-4546 info@broadbandillinois.org