Ventura leads charge to expand Illinois broadband access – Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus

Report on Illinois House Bill 1062: Addressing the Digital Divide through Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Despite federal commitments, high-speed internet access remains limited in many communities, particularly in rural Illinois, where connectivity is often unreliable or unavailable. In response to federal inaction and funding withdrawals, State Senator Rachel Ventura has championed House Bill 1062, a law designed to provide a strategic state-level response to the growing digital divide. This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Context and Challenges

• Current Situation: Broadband access is critical for daily life and education, yet many rural areas in Illinois lack reliable service.
• Federal Funding Withdrawal: The federal government recently revoked Illinois’ $23.7 million Digital Equity Capacity Grant, halting numerous digital equity projects.
• Impact on Communities: Without sufficient investment, public spaces such as libraries face outdated technology unable to meet current demands.

Strategic State-Level Response: House Bill 1062

House Bill 1062 prioritizes broadband expansion through a structured approach focusing on anchor institutions and existing infrastructure:

1. Priority 1: Anchor institutions within five miles of existing Illinois Century Network (ICN) infrastructure.
2. Priority 2: Institutions within ten miles of ICN infrastructure.
3. Priority 3: Institutions qualifying for the federal E-Rate program, despite its insufficiency in meeting Illinois’ needs.
4. Final Priorities: Institutions requiring expanded middle-mile and last-mile infrastructure, investments previously hindered by federal support withdrawal.

Role of the Illinois Century Network (ICN)

• ICN delivers wholesale internet services to public entities including schools, libraries, and higher education institutions.
• The network is managed by the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT), which is committed to strengthening connectivity statewide.
• ICN’s enhancement supports SDG 9 by fostering resilient infrastructure and promoting inclusive technological development.

Significance in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 4 – Quality Education: Improved broadband access enables equitable educational opportunities through enhanced digital learning resources.
• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The law promotes sustainable infrastructure development and innovation by expanding high-speed internet access.
• SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Prioritizing vulnerable and rural communities helps bridge the digital divide, fostering social and economic inclusion.
• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: The initiative encourages collaboration between state agencies, local governments, and public institutions to achieve digital equity.

Statements from Key Stakeholders

State Senator Rachel Ventura emphasized the urgency of state-led investment: “Access to broadband has become critical for many aspects of daily life, especially in education. This law prioritizes anchor institutions to quickly improve our state’s broadband network in the most cost-effective way possible.”

Brandon Ragle, Acting Secretary of the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology, stated: “DoIT is proud to manage this network and strengthen it for the future.”

Implementation Timeline

• House Bill 1062 is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.
• The law aims to accelerate broadband expansion efforts in response to the federal funding gap.

Conclusion

House Bill 1062 represents a critical step by the State of Illinois to address the digital divide through strategic investment and prioritization of broadband infrastructure. By aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on infrastructure, education, and inequality reduction, the law seeks to ensure equitable internet access for all communities, fostering inclusive growth and innovation.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article emphasizes the importance of broadband access for education, mentioning schools, libraries, and higher education institutions.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The focus on expanding broadband infrastructure and improving digital connectivity aligns with building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article discusses addressing the digital divide, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities, promoting equal access to technology and information.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Improving access to digital services in public spaces such as libraries and government agencies supports inclusive and sustainable urban development.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are inclusive and effective, including access to information and communications technology.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the internet in least developed countries by 2020 (adapted here to state-level context).
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.b: Encourage official development assistance and financial flows, including technology, to regions and communities in need to reduce inequalities.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, which includes digital public spaces such as libraries.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Broadband Access Coverage
   • Percentage of anchor institutions (schools, libraries, government agencies) within five and ten miles of existing broadband infrastructure (Illinois Century Network).
2. Number of Institutions Connected
   • Count of public entities connected to reliable high-speed internet through state initiatives.
3. Funding Allocation and Utilization
   • Amount of state and federal funding allocated to broadband expansion and digital equity projects.
   • Number of grant applications received and approved for digital equity projects.
4. Digital Equity Metrics
   • Reduction in the digital divide as evidenced by increased internet access in rural and vulnerable communities.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: illinoissenatedemocrats.com