Broadband Illinois Launches New Regional Website for Communities, Stakeholders
Roxana Ryan
Published: July 8, 2013
Updated Data on Broadband Availability and Speeds is Published, New Round of Data Collection Begins
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, July 8, 2013 -- Regional updates on the latest broadband news, events, maps and demographic information are all part of a revamped website, announced today by Broadband Illinois.
The “Regions” tab, new on the front page of BroadbandIllinois.org, features local information on ten eTeams and each of Illinois’ 102 counties. A new, common sense navigational structure allows users to quickly find relevant information on local demographics, industry, events, broadband speeds and availability. In addition, users can easily find contact information for each eTeam leader by clicking on counties or regions.
“Our updated Regions site is a new home for all things pertaining to Illinois broadband- on a local level,” said Drew Clark, Executive Director at Broadband Illinois. “We want to make sharing information about broadband as easy as possible. This update will serve as a great tool for all communities concerned about getting connected and upgrading service.”
More updates are still to come on the new Regions site. Online discussion forums will be added soon, allowing communities, stakeholders and providers of broadband to collaborate and discuss needs, assets and opportunities.
In addition, the latest data, including interactive Geo-PDF maps on broadband availability and speeds in Illinois have been published online. Collected by the Geographic Information Systems team at Broadband Illinois, a 7th round of data was submitted to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The GIS team submitted the edited and updated data for 62 carriers and added information for 18 new carriers. A total of 151 carriers were included in the Round 7 submission. To download the Round 7 methodology paper, click here.
Maps for each Illinois broadband carrier and county have been published and a new statewide speed tier map is also available for download. The popular “Find Broadband” tool has also been populated with the latest data, allowing users to locate and compare providers of broadband in the vicinity of any Illinois address.
Broadband Illinois has also published tools for bloggers, software developers and other broadband enthusiasts and who want to publish information on their own websites or work with raw data. The Broadband Widget can be added to any webpage. The tool is free and instructions are available at broadbandillinois.org/Get-involved/Widget-builder.html.
The GIS team at Broadband Illinois has begun collecting data for the 8th round of data submission to the NTIA. As part of this process, the GIS team contacts every internet provider in the state to learn about new coverage areas and updates.
Additionally, mobile users will soon have a new tool to find Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the state. Broadband Illinois is in the final development stages of the “IllinoisWiFi” app for Apple iOS and Andriod users. The app will allow smartphones to locate free and local sources of wireless internet access throughout the state. More information will be released soon. Broadband Illinois received funding from the Rural Policy Action Partnership, with funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, to develop the app.
For questions about this news release, contact Roxana Ryan, Communications Specialist at Broadband Illinois at roxana.ryan@broadbandillinois or 217-280-4066
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About: Broadband Illinois promotes opportunities that high-speed internet offers for jobs, education, energy efficiency, healthcare, public safety, agriculture and government. We collect and publish telecom maps and information, collaborate with internet providers and economic development officials for deployment, and educate individuals and organizations on how to effectively use broadband. Officially known as the Partnership for a Connected Illinois, we are a Springfield-based 501(c)(3) non-profit entity. Learn more at http://broadbandillinois.org and connect at http://facebook.com/broadbandillinois.