PCI Releases 'Broadband Access in Illinois' Baseline Study of Supply

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, August 15, 2011 - The Partnership for a Connected Illinois on Monday released "Broadband Access in Illinois: A Baseline Snapshot," summarizing the state of broadband supply in Illinois.

The report, a product of data and geographic analysis by the PCI Data Team, provides a useful summary of the broadband supply information that has been collected and published on the Broadband Illinois web site since February 2011, and which is currently being updated with new, fresh data.

The report is available at this link.

This statewide baseline inventory for supply of broadband aims to quantify what is currently known about broadband providers within Illinois. It is an important prelude to other efforts by PCI, including PCI's Request for Proposals on Technical Assistance for Broadband Planning and Adoption. (See http://broadbandillinois.org/Use-it/Opportunities.html for further information.)

"Our Broadband Illinois web site reflects our mission to collect and publish broadband data, to promote high-capacity infrastructure and access, and to maximize the impact and use of broadband," said PCI Executive Director Drew Clark.

"But we've had higher ambitions. The next frontier in internet data collection is studying broadband use and adoption," said Clark. "This baseline inventory about supply will help partners and other stakeholders understand what is known -- and what is not currently known -- about broadband access and adoption within Illinois.

“Broadband Access in Illinois” summarizes the following research outcomes:

  • Inventorying and quantifying the state of broadband access, and the advertised speeds of access, in Illinois, according to the best available information;
  • Defining and developing metrics against which to evaluate changes in broadband access across the State;
  • Introducing the concepts of ranking in assisting the State with assessing how different geographic units (such as counties) compare against each other relative to broadband supply, which particular reference to advertised speeds and availability.

"Broadband Access in Illinois" is authored by Dr. Mike Rudibaugh, PCI Director of Mapping and Analysis; and Brian Webster, PCI Telecom Data Coordinator.

The study helps set the stage for broader discussion about broadband supply and demand throughout the State, and PCI encourages feedback on the report to info@broadbandillinois.org.

Tags: broadband access, broadband data, broadband impact, broadband infrastructure, Clearwave, PCI

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Partnership for a Connected Illinois 1337 Wabash Ave. Springfield, IL 62704 Phone: (217) 886-4228 Fax: (217) 718-4546 info@broadbandillinois.org