FCC Broadband Lifeline Pilot Project

In 2013, Broadband Illinois coordinated and oversaw the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) broadband adoption Lifeline pilot program. The project studies the effects of acess to digital literacy and consumer's choice among plans offering varying Internet connection speeds. The impact of digital literacy on adoption was studies by tracking usage and retention of service during the 12-month pilot to determine if such training helped subscribers overcome adoption hurdles. 

Broadband Illinois partnered with with seven Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (ETCs) (as defined by the FCC) in part of Western and Southern Illinois. ETCs participating in the  project included Adams Telephone Co-operative, Cass Telephone Company, Harrisonville Telephone Company, Madison Telephone Company, Mid-Century Telephone Cooperative, Shawnee Telephone Company, and Wabash Telephone Company. Other partners in the project included Connected Living (digital literacy training), Citizens Utility Board (marketing), and Computer Banc (equipment).

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