March 7, 2024 – Macon County is taking a major step towards bridging the digital divide with a 14-week, fast-track program dedicated to expanding broadband access across the county, and they are asking for help from Macon County residents.
Groups involved in the effort are trying to get a portion of the $1.04 Billion in federal dollars allocated to Illinois from the The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. The BEAD program is part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and will deliver $42.45 billion across 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five territories.
The group stresses that getting access to these funds would help provide rural broadband access to areas of Decatur and Macon County that currently have none. Broadband access is critical in these areas for everything from precision planting and farming operations, education, and telehealth.
Those involved in the “Macon County Growing Through Connectivity Broadband Project” include:
- Macon County Board and Officials
- Macon County Farm Bureau
- City of Decatur
- Township Officials of Macon County
- Decatur Regional Chamber of Commerce
- The Community Foundation of Macon County
- Macon-Piatt Regional Office of Education
- University of Illinois Extension
- Economic Development Corporation of Decatur & Macon County
- Ameren Illinois Company
- Jenner Ag
- Macon County Farmers
The project is asking Macon County residents (especially those rural residents who are struggling with internet access) to complete a quick online survey at go.illinois.edu/MaconCoConnectivity.
Those who lack internet access can request a paper copy by calling the Macon County U of I Extension at (217) 877-6042 or picking up a paper copy at designated locations. Locations include the Macon County Board Office, Macon County Farm Bureau, Macon County Extension Office, and any Macon County public library.
According to an Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity audit, only 13 percent of Macon County households have access to 1 Gig speed or higher. An underwhelming 3,880 households have less than 100/20 Mbps access, which is the current benchmark for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program, an effort established in the 2021 Infrastructure Act.
The group hope local residents can help demonstrate the demand for better services to potential providers. They have a goal of receiving 500 or more completed surveys by the deadline of March 15th.
