Improving Broadband Access

We continue to work on improving broadband service for our members. Late last year, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) released the National Broadband Map which will guide federal funding to improve broadband service. When the map was first released, we encouraged members to check their addresses to ensure the map accurately reflected data about the broadband service at their location and challenge the information if it was incorrect. Recently, FCC released the second version of the National Broadband Map, which you can access here: https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov/home. This new version incorporates the challenges and corrections that were submitted by individuals and groups following the release of the first version of the map.

IFB is again encouraging members, especially those without reliable broadband service, to check the map and ensure the information about their location in this second version of the map is correct. Members can access the map using the link above, type in their address or location, and then review the data the FCC has for their location. If the information does not accurately reflect information about their location, they can click on “Location Challenge” to the right of the address. If their location does not appear on the map at all, they can simply click on their location on the map, then click “Challenge Location” and input details about their location. If the information does not accurately reflect the availability of broadband services at their location, they can click on “Availability Challenge” at the top right of the broadband services data.

An accurate National Broadband Map will help Illinois maximize the amount of federal funding it receives from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program and ensure that the investments are made in areas where service is desperately needed. If you have any questions or need assistance with challenging data on the map, please reach out to Bill Bodine at 309-531-8799 or bbodine@ilfb.org.