Broadband Illinois to Present at Federation of Internet Solution Providers Conference

Roxana Ryan
Published: September 4, 2012

 
As the state-designated broadband entity, Broadband Illinois, or Partnership for a Connected Illinois,  has a three-fold mission to collect and publish broadband data, ensure broadband access throughout the state, and maximize broadband’s impact and use. Collaborating with private internet providers in Illinois is an essential component of the non-profit organization’s work.
 
Founded in 1996, FISPA works to represent the interests of internet “solution” companies.  Their members represent a host of solution providers including internet access, voice, web hosting & design, cloud applications, managed networks and an increasing number of other services, all which use the internet to facilitate a "solution".
 
“We’re excited to partner with the Federation of Internet Solution Providers and look forward to promoting Better Broadband and Better Lives in Illinois,” said Brad Housewright, eTeam Director at Broadband Illinois. “This is an important conference and a great opportunity to network with industry leaders. We invite all of our Illinois stakeholders to attend!”
 
The three-day event will feature a variety of speakers and Broadband Illinois staff is slated to present four exciting sessions:
 
1.    Mission of Broadband Illinois (or Partnership for a Connected Illinois):  The Partnership for a Connected Illinois has a three fold mission in the State of Illinois to map broadband data, to promote the deployment of broadband, and to enhance the adoption and use of broadband in Illinois.  Broadband Illinois will speak of the various mechanisms it uses to serve as Illinois’ aggregator, facilitator, and convener of broadband activity in Illinois.
 
2.    Broadband Infrastructure and Deployment:  Broadband Illinois will provide an overview of current activities designed to promote the deployment of broadband throughout the State of Illinois.  Staff will also walk through public and private investments in broadband in Illinois and will speak of how the efforts of Broadband Illinois and its partners are aiming to encourage further deployment.
 
3.    Mapping Broadband Data:  As one of 56 State Broadband Initiatives granted through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Broadband Illinois collects data on coverage areas and other demographics for providers and delivers this information to the NTIA for use on the National Broadband Map.  Broadband Illinois will walk through their mapping process and speak of the value of this mapped GIS data for solving “on the ground” issues throughout the state.
 
4.    Adoption, Education, and Use of Broadband:  Broadband Illinois has worked with several innovative, entrepreneurial ideas and projects that have led the organization to focus closely on helping form coalitions to bring these opportunities to light. Broadband Illinois is pushing opportunities to the table to, among other things, prepare education, healthcare, agriculture, and public safety for the use of broadband the 21^st century.
 
The conference will be held at The James Chicago hotel in Chicago. Broadband Illinois stakeholders should enter the code “BROADBAND-ILLINOIS” to receive a $150 registration discount. Visit www.fispalive.com to see the full conference schedule, logistics and registration information. Contact Brad Housewright, eTeam director, with questions. 
 
To learn more about Broadband Illinois, visit www.broadbandillinois.org and join the broadband community at www.facebook.com/broadbandillinois or www.twitter.com/brobandillinois.