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May 8, 2024
Board Member Addresses Broadband Infrastructure at National Summit
Lake County Board Member Jennifer Clark recently spoke about the county’s efforts to address digital equity at the Broadband Communities Summit in The Woodlands, Texas.
The Summit brought together community and industry leaders, property owners and network infrastructure builders to discuss strategies for delivering connectivity to communities across the country.
Illinois is positioned to gain more than $1 billion in federal broadband funding over the next five years in addition to state investments. Community and industry leaders came together to collaborate as to how to make sure this record investment leads to sustainable economic opportunity for all communities.
Clark, Chair of the County Board’s Special Committee on Broadband, served as one of the panelists where she shared the steps Lake County is taking to expand countywide access to reliable high-speed broadband infrastructure. This includes researching opportunities to remove barriers to affordable internet and expand digital literacy programs.
“High-speed internet access is so important for everything from remote work to school to telehealth to keeping in touch with friends and family," Clark said. "Lake County is committed to investing in broadband infrastructure and digital access programs, so all residents are equipped with the resources needed to participate in an increasingly digital society.”
The County has emerged as a leader in addressing digital equity after launching the Lake County Digital Growth Initiative (DGI) to better understand the current state of high-speed internet service availability and digital equity within the county and implement solutions. More than 3,800 households and businesses in the county are located in areas with internet service considered unserved or underserved, which are below the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) standards for high-speed internet.
As part of our countywide initiative, a Digital Equity Coalition has been launched. Open to government, private, community and nonprofit organizations, the focus is to connect those interested in improving digital equity in the county. The Coalition will meet regularly to discuss projects and collaborate with members to implement these plans. Complete this form if you are interested in joining the Coalition.
Learn more by visiting the Lake County Digital Growth Initiative website.
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