Illinois is moving forward to expand access to broadband in the state, with Jackson County one of six communities in the initial launch. It is called the Accelerate Illinois Broadband Infrastructure Planning Program. It helps develop high-speed internet plans based on local needs and will help expand access to certain residents. Hosted in collaboration with Heartland Forward and the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, the six communities are the City of Springfield, Jackson County, Knox County, Mercer County, Whiteside County, and the Village of Elsah.
Read MoreCategory: In The News
Gov. Pritzker Announces Inaugural Cohort Of Accelerate Illinois Broadband Infrastructure Program
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Office of Broadband announced today the six communities selected to participate in the inaugural cohort of the Accelerate Illinois Broadband Infrastructure Planning Program. Hosted in collaboration with Heartland Forward and the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, the six communities are the City of Springfield, Jackson County, Knox County, Mercer County, Whiteside County, and the Village of Elsah.
Read MoreOpinion | It’s essential for Tennessee to use historic internet access funding effectively
Tennessee will receive funds in the coming months that have the potential to truly transform the lives of the more than 492,000 Tennesseans who currently lack adequate internet access and boost the future economic potential of our state.
Read MoreIllinois communities getting broadband infrastructure assistance
Illinois communities are preparing for a broadband infrastructure investment after Governor J.B. Pritzker announced last month they’re pushing for internet access to all communities in the state. This is the Accelerate Illinois program, led by the Illinois Office of Broadband and the Benton Institute and funded by Heartland Forward.
Read More‘Not a Pipe Dream’: New Report Offers Roadmap to Eliminate Internet Affordability Gap for Students
Almost two years into the pandemic, over 18 million households lack high-speed internet access. Even if it’s available, they can’t afford it, according to a new report released Thursday from nonprofit EducationSuperHighway.
In Little Rock, Arkansas, Maddie Long is already doing that work [to expand access]. Heartland Forward, a think tank focusing on the needs of states in the middle of the country, is funding the position to help reduce the digital divide.
Read MoreNonprofits Partner to Enroll Latinos in FCC Broadband Program
Heartland Forward and the League of United Latin American Citizens on Thursday announced they will partner to help Latinos sign up for a Federal Communications Commission broadband benefit program as enrollment lags.
Read More#TurnThePageProject featured Hosea Born: Lead For America and Heartland Forward American Connection Corps Fellow
The #TurnThePageProject featured Hosea Born, an American Connection Corps Fellow supported by Heartland Forward and Lead For America, in an interview about the intersection of education and the digital divide.
Little Rock Partnership with FCC Program Bringing More Accessible Broadband to Those in Need
A partnership was announced between the Southwest Community Center, the City of Little Rock, Little Rock School District (LRSD), Central Arkansas Library System (CALS), and the nonprofit Heartland Forward to increase awareness and enrollment in the Emergency Broadband Benefit.
Read MoreLittle Rock School District, Mayor Partner to Increase Access to Broadband
The City of Little Rock, the Little Rock School District, Central Arkansas Library System, and nonprofit Heartland Forward are working together to increase awareness for the Emergency Broadband Benefit program.
Read MoreDuluth Mayor Strategizes with Other City Leaders Nationwide to Improve Broadband Service
Mayor Emily Larson joined a national panel of mayors at the Heartland Forward Connecting the Heartland Workshop to discuss both the challenges and opportunities cities face at this moment in bridging the digital divide.
Read More