Broadband Illinois Begins 7th Round of Data Collection

Published: January 23, 2013

Broadband Illinois has begun its seventh round of broadband data collection and submission to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), organization representatives announced this week.

The data collected is to be used developing national and Illinois broadband maps.

“By providing data to Broadband Illinois, Internet providers are opening themselves to more customers and free publicity,” said Broadband Illinois GIS database technician Steve Dryden. “ We add all providers to our growing collection of provider maps (http://www.broadbandillinois.org/maps/Carrier-Maps.html)  as well as our searchable map (www.broadbandillinois.org/maps/index.html).” 

Additionally, providing coverage data allows Broadband Illinois to email potential customers searching for broadband through the “Request Broadband” tool, found at www.broadbandillinois.org/maps/broadband_requests.html . Recently, the tool has averaged five requests a week from across the state of Illinois.

Dryden said all existing providers should have received an email about the ongoing data collection in the last few days.  Any new provider who has not received the email should contact the GIS/Data Team at Broadband Illinois.

As part of ensuring the maps are accurate as possible, Broadband Illinois also invites broadband stakeholders, businesses and consumers in Illinois to download a providers map and make edits to it using a free download of the TerraGo Technologies Toolbar. Details can be found at www.broadbandillinois.org/maps/County-Data-Maps/About-GeoPDF-Maps.html).  Staff encourages anyone who sees inaccuracies in the current provider map to contact Broadband Illinois.

Dryden can be contacted at steve.dryden@broadbandillinois.org, or 217-645-6080.