Broadband Illinois

Computer Training

05/18/2012 12:48 PM

Computer Training

Documents and Maps

05/08/2012 03:07 PM

Download ICN, INA, and Clearwave maps here.

Download Coop Maps here.

View the Metro Communications Build map here.

Resources

04/26/2012 08:36 AM

These are resources that have been developed specifically for your region. There are broadband supply maps, contact information for partnering opportunities, regional economic development organizations, grant opportunities, and other documents relevant for the region.

These documents can be found throughout the website, but have been made available here in one downloadable file for your viewing convenience.

After viewing this information, if you have additional questions, or would like support in your region. Please reach out to us at eteams@broadbandillinois.org.

Download the Southeast Central eTeam packet here. (34Mb)*

*This file is very large and under some circumstances could take quite a bit of time to download.

Computer Training and Information

04/10/2012 10:00 AM

Low-cost or free computer training is available through many community colleges and libraries in the region. These can be courses on anything from basic computer use, setting up email, using the internet, and progress through more advanced topics such as using Excel. Check our list of libraries in the region, where we have links to local library websites for information on classes offered there, or contact your community college to find out what they're offering.

links to each college's community ed department AND PHONE NUMBERS ;P

Public Internet Access

03/12/2012 08:58 PM

Many businesses offer wi-fi on their premises as a courtesy to their customers. Check your county's listing for places where you can get online while you're out in the community. Do you know of somewhere we've missed? Click here to let us know.

Clark County

Casey McDonald’s
940 N. Rt. 49, Il Rt. 49 and I-70
Casey, IL 62420

Crossroads Restaurant
Marshall, IL

Lions Den
Marshall, IL

McDonald's of Marshall
102 East Trefz Dr., I-70 and SR 1
Marshall, IL 62441

Subway
Marshall, IL

Clay County

McDonald’s
200 Given St.
Flora, IL 62839

Coles County

Lincoln Springs Resort
19892 Camp Spring Road
Ashmore, IL 61912

Blue Room Café at County Market
1460 E Street
Charleston, IL 61920

Jackson Avenue Coffee
708 Jackson Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920

Starbucks, Charleston
437 W LINCOLN AVE
Charleston, IL 61920

McDonalds
12 West Lincoln
Charleston, IL 61920

Buffalo Wild Wings
124 Dettro Drive
Mattoon, IL 61938

Common Grounds
1612 Charleston Avenue
Mattoon, IL 61938

Dairy Queen
901 Charleston Ave
Mattoon, IL 61938

McDonald’s
103 Dettro Drive
Mattoon, IL 61938

McDonald’s
4212 Lakeland Blvd.
Mattoon, IL 61938

Stadium Grill
102 Dettro Drive
Mattoon, IL 61938

Crawford County

McDonald’s
1402 West Main Street
Robinson, IL 62454

Cumberland County

Subway
200 North Haughton Highway
Greenup, IL 62428

Edgar County

McDonald’s
701 E. Jasper
Paris, IL 61944

Effingham County

McDonald’s
1010 S. Main
Altamont, IL 62411

Culver's of Effingham
1510 W Fayette Ave
Effingham, IL 62401

Flying J Travel Plaza
1701 West Evergreen
I-70 & I-57 Exit 160
Effingham 62401

McDonald’s
2500 N. Third St.
Effingham 62401

McDonald’s
1304 N Keller Dr
Effingham 62401

McDonald’s
2911 S. Banker St.
Effingham 62401

Quenella's
303 E. Fayette
Effingham 62401

Ruby Tuesday
1300 Avenue Of Mid America
Effingham 62401

Starbucks
1700 AVENUE OF MID AMERICA
Effingham 62401

Fayette County

McDonald’s
820 Veterans Ave.
Vandalia, IL 62471

Jasper County

Solid Grounds
602 S. VanBuren
Newton, IL 62448

Lawrence County

McDonald’s
2608 West Haven Road
Lawrenceville, IL 62439

Marion County

McDonald’s
1485 W. Broadway
Centralia, IL 62801

McDonald’s
810 E. Broadway
Centralia, IL 62801

Denny’s
1812 W. Main
Salem, IL 62881

McDonald’s
1500 W. Main
Salem, IL 62881

Moultrie County

Coffee Bean
2 East Harrison
Sullivan, IL 61951

McDonald’s
11 W. Jackson
Sullivan, IL 61951

TnT Pizzeria
10 East Harrison
Sullivan, IL 61951

Richland County

McDonald’s
701 E. Main St.
Olney, IL 62450

Events

01/17/2012 04:58 PM

Events

News

01/17/2012 04:58 PM

News

How Can Broadband Illinois and the eTeams Help Internet Providers?

01/06/2012 04:32 PM

Web Site Resource

Maps of individual provider service
Maps of overall coverage area
Maps of ranking
Maps of demographics
ICN Information, IRHN Information, Clearwave Information, etc

Adoption Activities

Marketing – Summits, press releases, web page announcements, presentations to community groups, emails of new build information, promoting at schools, etc
eTeam Development
Internet Training – Promoting and implementing
Web Site Feature – Find providers in your area

Aggregating Demand

Gathering needs and distributing to providers

Being a Neutral Party

Helping to facilitate collaboration with other providers, the state, non-profits, municipalities, etc.
Giving information to all providers about needs in region

Marion County Maps

10/25/2011 12:12 PM

Download the Marion County GeoPDF here.

Providers

Fayette County Maps

10/25/2011 11:21 AM

Download the Fayette County GeoPDF here.

Providers

Libraries

10/24/2011 12:51 PM

Many local libraries offer public Internet access. Some have computers for your use, and some also have wi-fi that allows Internet access from your own laptop.

If you want to take your own laptop and use a library's wi-fi you may need to obtain a password from the library staff. Some libraries also shut off the wi-fi when they are closed.

Some libraries limit access to card-holders only. If you are not a card-holder, please call ahead to be sure access is available to you.

Using public wi-fi networks is not without risk. Check out this article on how to stay safer: How to Stay Safe on Public Networks

Clark County

Casey Township Library
307 E. Main
Casey, IL 62420
(217) 932-2105

4 computers for public Internet access

Hours:
Monday - Friday	11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday	10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Marshall Public Library
612 Archer Ave.
Marshall, IL 62441
(217) 826-2535

11 computers for public Internet access

Hours:
Monday - Wednesday	10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday	10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Friday & Saturday	10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Martinsville Public Library
120 East Cumberland
PO Box 190
Martinsville, IL 62442
(217) 382-4113

5 computers for public Internet access
There is no public Wi-Fi but there are additional ethernet jacks for people who bring their own cable and laptop.

Hours:
Monday - Wednesday	11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday	11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Friday	11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday	9:00 am - 1:00 pm

West Union District Library
209 West Union St., PO Box 138
West Union, IL 62477
(217) 279-3556

6 computers for public Internet access

Hours:
Monday & Thursday	9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Tuesday	6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Wednesday	9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday	1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Saturday	10:00 am - Noon
Sunday	10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Lake Land College Eastern Region Center - Forsythe Center (this is not a library, but does offer public internet access)
224 South Sixth Street
Marshall, IL 62441
(217) 826-8490

5 computers for public Internet access

Hours:
Monday - Thursday	2:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Friday	2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

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Clay County

Flora Public Library
216 N. Main Street
Flora, IL 62839
(618) 662-6553

6 computers for public Internet access

Hours:
Monday - Thursday	1:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Friday	10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday	10:00 am - 5:00 pm

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Coles County

Booth Library at Eastern Illinois University
Eastern Illinois University Library Quad
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 581-6072 or call the Hours Hotline at (217) 581-6423

125 computers for public Internet access. Everyone is welcome, but students and staff are given preference.

Fall and Spring Semester Hours:
Monday - Thursday	8:00 am - 1:00 am
Friday	8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday	9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday	Noon - 1:00 am

Summer Semester Hours:
Monday - Thursday	8:00 am - 10:00 pm
Friday	8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday	9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday	2:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Intersession Hours:
Monday - Thursday	8:00 am - 10:00 pm
Friday	8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday	9:00 am - 5:00 pm

During school vacation periods, library service is available during the following hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. The library provides a Saturday night extended hours prior to final exams. Check the calendar for exact hours, or call the Hours Hotline at 581-6423.

Charleston Carnegie Public Library
712 Sixth Street
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 345-4913

21 computers for public Internet access: 8 for adults, 5 for teens, and 8 for children

Hours:
Monday - Wednesday	10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Friday & Saturday	10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday	1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Lake Land College Library
Lake Land Community College
5001 S. Lake Land Blvd.
Mattoon, IL 61938
(217) 234-5338

56 computers for public Internet access. 24 of these are in a lab that may be reserved.
Lake Land also has public wireless Internet access.

Fall and Spring Semester Hours:
Monday - Thursday	7:00 am - 9:00 pm
Friday	7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday	12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Sunday	Noon - 9:00 pm

Summer Semester Hours:
Monday - Thursday	7:00 am - 9:00 pm

Intersession Hours:
Monday - Thursday	8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Mattoon Public Library
1600 Charleston Ave.
Mattoon, IL 61938
(217) 234-2621

9 computers for public Internet access
Public Wi-Fi

Hours:
Monday - Friday	9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Saturday	9:00 am - 5:00 pm

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Crawford County

Hutsonville Public Library
101 S. Main Street
Hutsonville, IL 62433
(618) 563-9603

2 computers for public internet access

Hours:
Monday	3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Tuesday - Thursday	1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Saturday	9:00 am - Noon

Oblong Public Library
110 E. Main Street
Oblong, IL 62449
(618) 592-3001

5 computers for public internet access

Hours:
Tuesday - Friday	11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday	10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Palestine Public Library
201 S. Washington Street
Palestine, IL 62451
(618) 586-9711

10 computers for public internet access

Hours:
Monday - Wednesday	10:00 am - 4:30 pm
Thursday	10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday	10:00 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday	8:30 am - 10:30 am

Robinson Public Library
606 N Jefferson Street
Robinson, IL 62454
(618) 544-2917

2 computers for public internet access

Hours (Labor Day through Memorial Day):
Monday - Thursday	10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Friday & Saturday	10:00 am - 5:30 pm

Hours (Memorial Day through Labor Day):
Monday	10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Tuesday - Saturday	10:00 am - 5:30 pm

Susie Wesley Memorial Library, Flat Rock
105 South Main
Flat Rock, IL 62427
(618) 584-3636

2 computers for public internet access

Hours:
Tuesday & Thursday	Noon - 5:00 pm
Saturday	9:00 am - Noon

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Cumberland County

Greenup Township Public Library
101 North Franklin St.
Greenup, Illinois 62428-0275
(217) 923-3616

5 computers for public internet access

Hours:
Monday & Thursday	Noon - 8:00 pm
Tuesday & Friday	9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday & Saturday	9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Neoga District Library
550 Chestnut Avenue
Neoga, IL 62447
(217) 895-3944

3 computers for public internet access

Hours:
Tuesday & Thursday	10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Friday	10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Saturday	9:00 am - Noon

Sumpter Township Library - Toledo
148 Courthouse Square
Toledo, IL 62468
(217) 849-2072

3 computers for public internet access

Hours:
Tuesday & Thursday*	10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Wednesday	9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday	Noon - 5:00 pm
Saturday	9:00 am - Noon

* From June to August, Tuesday & Thursday hours are from 11:00 am - 7:00 pm

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Edgar County

Chrisman Public Library
108 N. Illinois Street
Chrisman, IL 61924
(217) 269-3011

6 computers for public internet access

Hours:
Monday & Tuesday	1:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Wednesday & Thursday	1:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Friday	1:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Saturday	9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Kansas Community Memorial Library
107 North Front St.
PO Box 319
Kansas, IL 61933
(217) 948-5484

2 computers for public internet access

Hours:
Monday, Wednesday - Friday	1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Tuesday	10:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Saturday	10:00 am - Noon

Paris Carnegie Public Library
207 S. Main
Paris, IL 61944
(217) 463-3950

7 computers for public internet access
Public Wi-Fi

Hours (September 1 - May 31):
Monday - Thursday	10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Friday	10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday	10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Hours (June 1 - August 31):
Monday	10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Tuesday - Friday	10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday	10:00 am - 4:00 pm

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Effingham County

Altamont Public Library
121 West Washington
Altamont, IL 62411
(618) 483-5457

7 computers for public internet access

Hours:
Monday & Wednesday	2:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Thursday	5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Friday	2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Saturday	9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Beecher City Branch Library
108 N. James Street
Beecher City, IL 62414
(618) 487-9400

2 computers for public internet access

Hours:
Monday	Noon - 7:00 pm
Tuesday & Wednesday	12:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Thursday	3:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Friday	12:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Saturday	9:30 am - 1:00 pm

Helen Matthes Library, Effingham
100 East Market Ave.
Effingham, IL 62401
(217) 342-2464

18 computers for public internet access

Hours:
Monday - Thursday	9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Friday & Saturday	9:00 am - 5:00 pm

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Fayette County

Ramsey Public Library
401 South Superior Street
Ramsey, IL 62080
(618) 423-2019

2 computers for public internet access

Hours:
Tuesday	1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Wednesday - Friday	8:30 am - Noon
	1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Evans Public Library, Vandalia
215 S. 5th Street
Vandalia, IL 62471
(618) 283-2824

11 computers for public internet access
Public Wi-Fi

Hours:
Monday - Thursday	9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Friday & Saturday	9:00 am - 5:00 pm

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Jasper County

Newton Public Library
100 South VanBuren Street
Newton, IL 62448
(618) 783-8141

4 computers for public internet access (soon to be 5)
Public Wi-Fi

Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday	10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday & Thursday	10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Saturday	10:00 am - 1:00 pm

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Lawrence County

Lawrence Public Library District
814 12th St.
Lawrenceville, IL 62439
(618) 943-3016

7 computers for public internet access
Public Wi-Fi

Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday	10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday & Thursday	10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday	10:00 am - 3:00 pm

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Marion County

Kinmundy Public Library
111 South Monroe
Kinmundy, IL 62854
(618) 547-3250

9 computers for public internet access
Public Wi-Fi

Hours:
Monday	9:00 am - Noon
	1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Tuesday - Friday	1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Saturday	9:00 am - Noon

Odin Community Library
219 East Main Street
Odin, IL 62870
(618) 775-8309

3 computers for public internet access
Public Wi-Fi

Hours:
Tuesday & Thursday	1:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Friday	Noon - 4:00 pm

Patoka Public Library
210 W. Bond Street
Patoka, IL 62875
(618) 432-5019

2 computers for public internet access

Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday	12:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Bryan-Bennett Library, Salem
315 South Maple
Salem, IL 62881
(618) 548-3006

10 computers for public internet access
Public Wi-Fi

Hours:
Monday - Thursday	Noon - 8:00 pm
Friday & Saturday	9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sandoval Branch Library
101 North Broadway
Sandoval, IL 62882
(618) 247-3873

3 computers for public internet access
Public Wi-Fi

Hours:
Tuesday	Noon - 5:00 pm
Wednesday	Noon - 6:00 pm
Saturday	10:00 am - 3:00 pm

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Moultrie County

Marrowbone Public Library District
216 West Main St.
Bethany, IL 61914
(217) 665-3014

7 PCs and 2 laptops for public internet access
Public Wi-Fi (registration is required to obtain password)

Hours:
Monday	9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Tuesday - Friday	9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday	10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Lovington Public Library District
110 West State St.
Lovington, IL 61937
(217) 873-4468

4 computers for public internet access
Public Wi-Fi

Hours:
Monday	10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Tuesday & Wednesday	1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Thursday & Friday	10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday	10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library, Sullivan
2 West Water
Sullivan, IL 61951
(217) 728-7221

6 computers for public internet access
Public Wi-Fi

Hours:
Monday - Thursday	8:30 am - 8:00 pm
Friday	8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday	9:00 am - 2:00 pm

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Richland County

Anderson Library at Olney Central College
305 N. West St.
Olney, IL 62450
(618) 395-7777 ext 2260

Computers for public internet access
Public Wi-Fi - A Community Card is required for access

Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday	7:30 am - 8:00 pm
Wednesday & Friday	7:30 am - 4:30 pm

Olney Public Library
400 West Main
Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3711

5 computers for public internet access
Public Wi-Fi during library hours

Hours:
Monday - Saturday	10:00 am - 7:00 pm

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Data as of October, 2011

Home Offices

08/15/2011 03:46 PM

Barb’s Broadband Journey In Rural Illinois

Please note first that I am not advocating for any one provider! I am just telling my broadband story.

My family and I live out in the country 4 ½ miles from the nearest small rural town of West Union. Our county has around 16,000 people in it. I work from home a day or two a week, and from an office in Marshall the rest of the time. In addition, my oldest son took online college classes in 2011, and another son will likely do the same in a couple years. We have three laptops and one desktop hooked to the internet. We need good access.

I started around 1997 with dial-up service at home. I was thrilled with the new possibilities. But my speed at work was much better, so I grew bored with waiting. In the mid 2000s, I chose a new option, Wild Blue Satellite through Norris Electric Coop. It really was good for me at that time. Then my two tech savvy boys turned into teenagers and started to crank up our download use.

I tried upping our Wild Blue package from the $40 a month to the $70 a month which allowed for more downloading. That helped for a while. But, with each passing month, my teenagers upped their use, and so did I.

My son, Jaryd, is an extreme user – in August of 2011 he had downloaded 5 Gig in 20 days using his cousin’s DSL internet and his phone. My younger son, Dylan, is almost as heavy a user. We constantly have download limit issues. I remind my boys on a regular basis not to do video or too much music downloads.

For some providers, if you go over the download limit, it slows you down. If you really go over the limit, it really slows you down. And, for my current service, it is a rolling 30 day limit. So, if one day you download too much (such as a video,) you may have to wait 30 days to get your speed back.

So, to find if I had other options, I went searching. Since we live in a rural area, our options were somewhat limited. First we tried Frontier DSL land lines. They tested our line and we are too far from town. You have to be within a few line miles of the main hub. Also, at the edge of the limit, it can have reduced speed. Frontier is implementing new technology which should push signal out farther, and I am keeping my fingers crossed that someday I get that access.

I next tried Verizon Wireless. The fee was not bad at all. About $50/mth. Some set up costs, but not terrible. One cool thing was that I could have taken the box with me for work or vacation and used it with my laptop wherever there was service. I asked about the 5 Gig per month download limit and the lady in the store told me that should be plenty (my 5-Gig-per-20-days son said not). Verizon let me have a week to check out the service. If you take it back in a very short time, there is no fee. I signed up, paid the fees, and went home with a small box the size of a phone. So, when it worked, it was great! But, it was intermittent. The line would drop in the middle of a search. I was just too far from the closest tower. I could not give up the reliability of the satellite, even if the speed was not as good. I honestly considered keeping both Wildblue and Verizon Wireless! But the cost was just too much. So, I sacrificed a small trial fee $35 since I had kept the Verizon box about a week and took it back. (Note that if I had waited too long I would have been under contract and had to pay a contract cancelation fee – be sure to check timeframes allowed to test.)

Also, note that an acquaintance of mine said that she used Verizon Wireless but, since she was a good ways from tower she had to use a signal booster which she bought from a radio shop. It was around $400. I chose not to try that due to the expense and uncertainty.

I went to Cell One in July of 2011 to sign up for their wireless Internet. No set up fees, which is remarkable. $40, $70, $100, $140 monthly fee depending on what speed you want. I signed up for the $40 for 500k speed. I also asked if I could upgrade to the $70 for 1 MB speed if I did not like the speed and they said “yes.” With Cell One you have to sign a 2 year contract and then they come out to your home and determine if you have access. It is my understanding that you are only committed to the contract if you get good access. The technician came and checked my signal in August 2011 - no luck. Too far from tower.

Last Update - In October of 2011, I found out from Frontier that they were doing some new updates in my area. Their technicians came out (great guys)and tried it. SUCCESS!! I am so happy. My boys have been downloading night and day. I can actually open the attachments on my emails. I can watch YouTube videos. I can make updates to my work web page. I don't even know what I can do yet! :)

Barb

P.S. Check all rates and fees ahead of time - they could have changed since I wrote this. And, here are a few more suggestions learned from my journey. First, see what is available for you. www.broadbandillinois.org will allow you to put in your home address and see area vendors in their database. (There may be some local providers that aren't listed yet.) You can then Google to find contact info. Also, talk to your friends. What do they have, and does it work for them? Four key factors to consider – cost, speed, reliability, download limits.

Internet Providers by County

08/10/2011 10:10 AM

Providers may not have service in the entire county. Contact the provider to determine if service is available in your area. It is also good to talk to your neighbors who already have Internet. Consider speed, reliability, cost, and download limits.

If there are other providers not listed or any questions, please email me at barbara.webster@broadbandillinois.org

Thank you!
Barb Webster, East Central Regional Coordinator
Broadband Illinois

What is Broadband?

07/28/2011 01:51 PM

"Broadband" refers to a high-speed, always-on connection to the Internet. The primary factors that people consider when deciding what type of broadband Internet service to subscribe to include service availability, connection speed, technology and price. Organizations define broadband in different ways.

For information to be included on the National Broadband Map, the technology must provide a two-way data transmission (to and from the Internet) with advertised speeds of at least 768 kilobits per second (Kbps) downstream and at least 200 Kbps upstream to end users.

View our training or broadband stakeholder links to learn more.

Educators

07/27/2011 09:09 AM

Broadband Benefits and Connectivity Issues from an Educator's Standpoint

Online education is not a novelty. In the United States, almost 20% of all higher education students in the fall of 2007 were taking at least one online course, and that number keeps growing (Susan Ko & Steve Rossen, "Teaching Online, A Practical Guide", 3rd Edition, published in 2010). Taking classes online has many advantages for students: they can be located in Texas and take an animal nutrition class from a renown professor teaching in Colorado, or they can even be located in China and take an ESL course through any university in the United States. The possibilities are endless. Teaching and learning online eliminates the traditional constraints encountered in a conventional classroom (such as commuting time, lack of space or technology tools in classrooms, schedule conflicts, etc) and it offers more freedom for students and instructors.

Learning online is especially useful for students located in educationally underserved areas, who want to pursue specialized or advanced degrees that are not available through their local colleges and universities. By the same token, teaching online is useful for instructors located in areas where there are not many colleges and universities offering courses in the instructor's field. That is the reason why I got involved with the Clark County Broadband Team. I am a French native speaker and French instructor who moved to rural Clark County in 2009 and I have been offered the possibility to teach a French 101 online class through a local university, but I could not find an Internet Service Provider that meets my needs, and I would like to change that situation. Teaching (and learning) online requires a fast and reliable broadband internet connection with no lag time, which enables instructors and students to meet in virtual classrooms in real time (such as Elluminate). So far, I have not been able to find an internet service provider that can supply an internet connection good enough to meet those needs in our rural area of Clark County, south of Martinsville.

Cable connections are not available outside of city limits where we live. DSL connections are not available through our local phone service provider Fairpoint for our area. In 2009, Fairpoint decided to stop providing DSL services to new customers in our area because of the amount of customer complaints they have received over the past few years, due to the connection being too slow and the phone lines being too old to be able to fully support DSL connections.

Since cable and DSL were not available, I subscribed to a Hughes Net Satellite Broadband Connection. The download speeds and upload speeds are comparable to a DSL connection, however our broadband connection through Hughes Net was often interrupted in case of bad weather and also did not support VOIP. We also discovered after we installed the satellite dish that satellite broadband connections have an 8 to 10 seconds lag time, which makes it very difficult to connect to a virtual classroom in real time.

So we finally switched our satellite connection to a wireless broadband connection through Verizon Wireless. Wireless broadband connections through phone providers also provide download and upload speeds comparable to a DSL connection, without the lag time that the satellite broadband connections have. This type of connection is also not interrupted in case of bad weather and it enables me to use VOIP and to connect to a virtual classroom in real time. It sounds like the perfect solution, right? Well it would be perfect if we didn't live seven miles from the closest Verizon Wireless tower. Towers emit a strong signal three or four miles around them, but living seven miles away from the tower, our signal is very weak and the internet connection is often interrupted. So my temporary fix was to purchase a Wilson wireless signal booster with a directional antenna to strengthen the signal in my office. The booster works well on some days, and not so well on others, so I still often loose calls on Skype and get disconnected from my virtual classroom while the class is in session.

I have a dream that one day all Americans will be able to get on their computer from their home office, no matter where they are located, and that all students and instructors will be able to take and teach classes online. Good broadband internet connections are crucial to be able to deliver world-class education in rural communities.

Florence

Reuben's Christian County Map

07/20/2011 09:54 AM

Training Links

07/18/2011 03:59 PM

Webucator

Moultrie County Maps

06/29/2011 11:02 AM

Download the Moultrie County GeoPDF here.

Providers

Broadband Stakeholder Links

06/24/2011 10:33 PM

East Central Illinois Development Corporation

Lake Land Community College

National Broadband Map

USDA Rural Development Telecommunications Loans & Grants

IllinoisCentury Network

IllinoisWorknet

Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity

University of Illinois Extension

Illinois Learning Technology Centers (K-12)

Speed Matters

Contact us

06/14/2011 06:38 PM

Entrepreneurs

06/08/2011 03:00 PM

Entrepreneur,

Jessica Duzan-Johnson, Casey, IL Area

Broadband is key to economic growth, job creation and entrepreneurial activity. In rural America, Broadband produces a level playing field for existing businesses and new business to be competitive. With Broadband, small businesses in rural America can connect and compete anywhere in the world.

So who’s the winner? In my opinion, who doesn’t win? If this initiative is supported by both private sector funds (existing area telephone providers) and public funds (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009), and we as rural Americans consider our livelihood and the livelihood of future rural generations just as important as the livelihood of city folk, then are we then playing on a more level playing field?

If Broadband is introduced to rural America, we as city organizers/planners can recruit potential companies to locate their businesses here. If our infrastructure can support growth, then let’s grow. With Broadband installation and access in our rural communities, we have even stronger capabilities of recruiting business. We have greater capabilities of ensuring our youth with technological education. We have greater capabilities of transmitting trade electronically. We have greater capabilities. Growth.

If we don’t have Broadband to help support our communities, I feel we will be left in the dust. Other communities will be better prepared to write for grant funding, recruit business to locate in their area – providing jobs, and educate their youth.

I look at Roosevelt’s response to the combating the effects of the Great Depression with the New Deal. One of the provisions of the New Deal was the formation and implementation of the Tennessee Valley Authority. Without the Tennessee Valley Authority, much of the Tennessee Valley would be without electricity to this day. Why? Because they were rural. There wasn’t a monetary incentive to provide the residents there with electricity. But because this provision was in place and the New Deal passed, the residents of Tennessee could have running water, electricity, heat in the winter, and means of transportation.

As a budding entrepreneur, I know through experience that the lack of Broadband in our rural communities really holds us back. Broadband is a portal to innovation, ideas, streamlining transfer of funds, and above all, communication. At a time when the economy is struggling, we need to take advantage of programs offered to us. We are not only competing with other rural Americans, we are now competing globally. More opportunities are out there, if only we are brave enough to take them.

Businesses

06/06/2011 04:32 PM

Kotagraphs

After years of taking pictures for fun, Dakota Knetch decided to start a photography business. Kotagraphs started as a small business out of her home. Being a social media teen, Dakota utilized Facebook to post finished pictures which served to advertise her business. Demand grew, and soon she was in need of a studio. Dakota purchased a small Main Street building in Palestine, IL, converted it into a studio, and opened shop in late 2010. At the time, she was 18 years old and a senior in high school. Kotagraphs is busy capturing memories and successfully utilizing the Internet.

Red Queen Consignment

Nicole Martin is the owner of a consignment shop in the oldest town in Illinois, Palestine. She utilizes the Internet to sell items on eBay. Nicole sells a wide range of items via eBay - from $3 nick-knacks to a $3,500 train whistle. Approximately 60% of her business is generated through the Internet. Nicole utilizes Facebook as her main web page. She also utilizes the research features of Google - one such search found an art dealer for a painting that was brought into her store which then sold for $4,000.

Public Safety

06/06/2011 03:07 PM

“Public safety and incident reporting are two of the many reasons why we need broadband in Clark County. The ability to communicate emergency reports and information to the public, including boil orders, weather alerts and homeland security updates would be very helpful to the City and the community, and is not feasible without broadband. In this age of instant digital communication, rural communities such as those in Clark County will be left behind if they cannot update communications infrastructure.” – Robin McClellan, City Clerk, City of Casey

Libraries

05/18/2011 10:29 AM

Marshall Public Library's Story

by Nancy Claypool, Library Director
Marshall, Illinois

The availability of broadband in communities is an important component to any plan to narrow the “digital divide” that separates those who can afford expensive electronics and connection fees in their homes and those who cannot. Our library provides this service on an equal basis to all of our patrons (unless under 18 and without parental permission) and even to those who are traveling through town and need a place to get connected. Many folks use our public computers to create resumes, conduct job searches, do research on prospective employers, and contact them by email. Email is used by many to connect with far away family members, pay bills, register for unemployment and other government benefits, and much more. Some who have a dial-up connection at home stop in the library for a faster connection or to download larger files than their home computer can handle. People of many ages and stages use our computers and Internet connections to take college exams and professional licensing exams, in addition to taking online classes and communicating with teachers. Younger students research and write reports for primary and secondary school assignments, or make digital presentations for school. More recently, patrons have been coming to the library to download digital books and other resources for free and get valuable assistance with this from library staff. Some bring their own laptop computers and use our wireless signal within the library. Patrons can also use library computers to search for and order library materials from other libraries in the state that can then be delivered to them here in their home library for free.

Running a library without a reliable broadband connection would be very difficult and frustrating in this digital age, as well. The library staff connects with our patrons through email, Facebook, and our web site to answer questions and also to promote library programs and events. We are constantly connected to other libraries through our circulation platform that allows staff members to search for, order, and redirect library materials to and from other libraries all over the state and nation. We know where every item in our collection is at all times because of this. We can also answer reference questions using online databases and other digital resources, even on a 24/7/365 basis through our website and a cooperative service with other libraries. Staff members take online training and attend web conferences in order to save costly travel expenses. Our head librarian orders all of our books and other materials and supplies online, where she also connects to blogs and sites that help her make informed purchasing decisions based on trends, cost analysis, and testimonials by other trusted library sources. The state library requires nearly all reports and grants be submitted digitally, which saves on postage expense and time. The library director stays connected with library trustees and sends meeting information, training opportunities, and other important information through email. There is almost no segment of the library that does not utilize our broadband connection in order to conduct efficient and effective library services to all of our patrons and the many others with whom we interact

How has the Internet Helped You?

05/16/2011 04:40 PM

What's your story?

How have you used the Internet to help your business, your organization, your family, or yourself? Tell us your story by clicking here, or e-mail Barb Webster at barbara.webster@broadbandillinois.org

Thank you!

Need Internet?

05/16/2011 12:16 PM

We want to hear from you. Maybe you have had trouble finding an Internet provider. Maybe you have found a provider but the speed is slow for what you want to do.

Also, if you care to share how you wish to use the faster speed, we would like to know. Are you looking to take online classes? Do you sometimes work from home? Do you wish you could check your children's grades from home? Do you want entertaining and educational iPad or Android apps for your kids? Do you wish you could download music and videos, but it takes too long on a slow connection? It's your story.

Please be sure and include the complete address of the location (including the county) in which you are having difficulties.

Thank you for the feedback!

Let us know you need faster internet!

Richland County Maps

05/09/2011 04:34 PM

Download the Richland County GeoPDF here.

Providers

Lawrence County Maps

05/09/2011 04:33 PM

Download the Lawrence County GeoPDF here.

Providers

Reported Needs: Cell Towers

Jasper County Maps

05/09/2011 04:32 PM

Download the Jasper County GeoPDF here.

Providers

Reported Needs:
St. Marie area, wireless towers, PCI coverage map does not reflect DSL and some towers so information needs collected.

Effingham County Maps

05/09/2011 04:24 PM

Download the Effingham County GeoPDF here.

Providers

Reported Needs:

Dieterich needs a Verizon Tower

Edgar County Maps

05/09/2011 04:12 PM

Download the Edgar County GeoPDF here.

Providers

Reported Needs:

Shiloh High School and Hume areas need more access.

Douglas County Maps

05/09/2011 04:12 PM

Download the Douglas County GeoPDF to open a zoomable map that displays speed tiers by layer (requires Adobe Reader). Click on the icon to view layers. (Note: If the icon does not appear, you may need to click on the Adobe Reader icon to show the Adobe toolbar.)

Cumberland County Maps

05/09/2011 04:11 PM

Download the Cumberland County GeoPDF here.

Providers

Crawford County Maps

05/09/2011 04:11 PM

Download the Crawford County GeoPDF here.

Providers

Reported Needs:

Mapping, planning, training. Assistance utilizing ICN network for a local provider.

Coles County Maps

05/09/2011 04:11 PM

Download the Coles County GeoPDF here.

Providers

Reported Needs:

More speed at Lake Land Community College due to heavy use, more access for rural people as they could get health record information from Sarah Bush but don't have access.

Clay County Maps

05/09/2011 04:11 PM

Download Clay County GeoPDF here.

Providers

Clark County Maps

05/09/2011 04:10 PM

Download the Clark County GeoPDF here.

Providers

Reported Needs:
Mill Creek Park, Rural Martinsville Area, Art Coop, Melrose Township needs Verizon service, business north of Marshall could use more speed. Overall - last mile issues, availability, affordability, staffing, mapping, training, strategic planning.

County Data and Maps

05/09/2011 04:09 PM

Click here to download the map in .pdf.

Success Stories

05/09/2011 12:21 PM

Click the following category links to read stories of how regional people are using the Internet to help themselves and their organizations.

Do you have a story to tell? If so, we'd love to hear from you. Contact Barb Webster via email or fill out our online form here and share your story!

Providers and Projects

05/09/2011 12:21 PM

New Internet Projects

05/09/2011 12:20 PM

Joink (March 2012) Joink's new tower at Darwin in Clark County is
complete. Type "Darwin, IL" into the coverage map link to see if coverage
might affect your area. You may need to zoom out a little as well. Click
here for a link to the coverage map. http://www2.joink.com/coverage/

Wildblue/Excede (Early 2012) Excede is now being offered as a
faster satellite broadband experience. A new satellite was launched and is
now live. http://exede.com

Metro Communications Company (March 2012 Update)
Metro Commucations is in the process of a build and is leaving hook ups for Chrisman, Shiloh, Villa Grove, Heritage, Tolono-Unity, Westville, Cumberland, Casey, and Marshall schools.

Metro Communications Company In July 2011, Metro Communications began construction on 400 miles of new middle – mile network to enable high speed Internet connectivity and advanced wholesale services to cellular providers and other enterprise users in East Central Illinois. Through connectivity to the ICN (Illinois Century Network) we will work to serve Educational and Government institutions inside our 20+ county network footprint. A combination of dark fiber agreements with multiple providers and new construction will expand the network reach to Springfield, Decatur, Champaign, Danville and the US-40/US-36/IL-1/IL-130 and IL-121 corridors as well as POPs in Chicago and St. Louis. The directly affected communities are Chrisman, Georgetown, Ridge Farm, Westville, Ogden, Hume, Metcalf, Newman, Homer, Broadlands, Villa Grove, Philo, Sidney, Tolono. Click here for a link to a map of the build.

Frontier (January 2012) Frontier plans to provide Ste Marie in Jasper County with DSL sometime during the first quarter of 2012.

NewWave Communications (December 2011) During the fourth quarter of 2011, NewWave Communications began offering City of Newton residents a triple play package of high-speed Internet, phone, and TV.

Joink (November 2011) Joink is adding new service in and around Darwin, IL in Clark County. They are taking sign-ups now and will have service live soon. Type "Darwin, IL" into the coverage map link to see if coverage might affect your area. You may need to zoom out a little as well. Click here for a link to the coverage map.

Frontier (September 2011) In July 2010, Frontier added customers in many new Illinois areas as part of a 14-state transaction with another company. Prior to this, many of these customers in Illinois could purchase only voice services for residences and traditional data services for businesses. Since the transaction, Frontier is investing over $50 million to bring high-speed Internet (HSI) to more towns across Illinois. The company is well along in its three-year plan to extend broadband services to at least 85% of all the homes and businesses served in Frontier’s newest markets. As a result of Frontier’s on-going investments, 82 new Illinois communities – representing a 25% increase in broadband capability in Illinois -- now have in-home and in-business broadband access from Frontier for the very first time: Albers, Alexander, Allendale, Arrowsmith, Astoria, Auburn, Bethany, Burnt Prairie, Bushnell, Casey, Cerro Gordo, Chapin, Chatham, Cisco,Compton, Cropsey, Dalton City, Deland, Divermon, Dongola, Dover, Earlville, East Lynn, Elkville, Elliott, Ellis Grove, Ellsworth, Elwin, Fayetteville, Franklin, Garden Prairie, Gerard, Golgonda, Greenup, Hammond, Hecker, Highland, Homer, Ireland Grove, Kansas, Karnak, Lamoille, Laomi, LaPlace, Leland, Macomb, Macon, Mansfield, Mascoutah, Melvin, Milstadt, Mt. Zion, Neoga, New Baden, New Berlin, Newman, Okawville, Paw Paw, Pawnee, Pleasant Plains, Potomac, Prairie City, Redmond, Sandwich, Sheridan, Sherman, Sibley, Somonauk, Steward, Sullivan, Summerfield, Thompsonville, Toledo, Ullin, Vermillion, Vermont, Villa Ridge, Virden, Waverly, West Union, Westfield, Williamsville. Customers can call the conversation center at 1-877-462-8188, or they can sign up online at frontier.com

Wabash Telephone Cooperative (August 2011) http://www.wabashtelephone.coop/
Wabash Telephone Cooperative has been notified it will receive an Infrastructure Loan Award of approximately $21.8 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utility Service to expand rural broadband internet access. The Cooperative was one of 18 recipients chosen to receive a low interest loan to provide broadband services to unserved and underserved rural communities.
Based in Louisville, Ill., Wabash Telephone Cooperative supports 4,512 access lines for a wide variety of video, internet and land line services. The cooperative’s board decided to invest in fiber optic-based broadband in 2009 in order to stay current with the entertainment and information needs of their subscribers. The loan will help the cooperative keep their costs lower and may make it possible to speed up the process of connecting all their customers to the fiber optic network. The expansion will give interested subscribers broadband access with much greater speeds. They plan to install 777 miles of fiber-optic cable, with a goal to complete the project within five to seven years. “The real value of extra bandwidth is that it lets us do entirely new things with computers, cameras and televisions on our network. The growth of content, applications and various other products will place greater demands and the use of fiber will soon be a necessity,” says Jeff Williams, General Manager/Executive Vice President at Wabash. “Fiber is what’s going to let small-town residents have more say over what services they want, giving them choices of the latest services and technology. Fiber to the home is actually doing a lot to keep Wabash Telephone what it’s always been about. Wabash Telephone is strong and on the leading edge.” For Images of WTC's fiber project: http://www.icl.coop/archive/10_10/feature.php
Wabash Telephone Cooperative serves subscribers in portions of 8 counties including Clay, Edwards, Effingham, Jasper, Marion, Richland, Wabash and Wayne Counties. For more information visit www.wabashtelephone.coop.
(August 2011 NEWS RELEASE FROM: Jeffery Williams, General Manager/Executive Vice President, Wabash Telephone Cooperative, Inc.)

Frontier (July 2011) http://www.frontier.com
Now offering High Speed Internet (up to 7Mb) in the following towns: Casey, Greenup, Toledo, Neoga, Kansas, Westfield. They are using ADSL2+ technology that will initially allow them to reach approximately 4Mi into the rural areas. They will add extended reach capability in the near future to reach 5Mi+. Customers can call the conversation center at 1-877-462-8188, or they can sign up online at frontier.com

ICN Fiber Network http://www.illinois.net/IBOP/IBOP.htm

A large fiber build will affect numerous counties within our region. Community institutions AND for-profit business will be allowed to access the line. Several community organizations will be connected, but the funding is not unlimited, so all will not initially get connected. The build is considered a "middle mile" so one challenge will be to get to the connection via a "last mile."

Wildblue http://get.wildblue.com/

A new satellite is to be launched in the near future to increase speed for Wildblue.

Cellular One http://www.cellular1.net/

Cellular One will be adding towers and equipment to existing towers in order to provide more coverage to the region.

Clearwave http://clearwavebroadband.com/

Recovery Act funds and company funds are being used to complete a fiber build which will affect counties in the southernmost part of our region.

About Us

05/09/2011 11:42 AM

The goal of the Southeast Central Regional eTeam is to increase broadand access and useful adoption. It was established based upon the strong initiative displayed by the East Central Illinois Development Corporation (ECIDC) in the area of broadband, which includes the involvement of Lake Land College.

The Southeast Central Regional eTeam will develop a regional broadband action plan for networking partners, gathering data, and utilizing resources to address the area's unmet needs for broadband services and create a regional infrastructure design.

We will initially focus on the following objectives in order to develop a regional plan and meet the following goals:

Determine DEMAND/NEEDS within each county and use the data to address the needs.
Determine SUPPLY within each county and use the data to address needs.
Network with collaborate partners with similar objectives.
Promote and educate beneficial uses of broadband.
Review local, state, and federal planning and policies, and act when appropriate.
Develop written Broadband Plan.

Southeast Central Regional eTeam Executive Committee Members

Barbara Webster, Broadband Illinois/PCI Regional Coordinator
Doug Abolt, Consolidated Communications
Penny Arthur, Moultrie County Counseling
Bob Berty, Crawford County Development Association and SAIL Group
Connie Calvert, Crawford County Development Association
Pam Crisman, Crisman and Associates
Travis Farley, Jasper County Economic Development Coop
Brett Gilsinger, Frontier Communications
Jean Anne Grunlough, East Central Illinois Development Corporation
Jonathon D. Hallberg, S. Central Illinois Regional Planning & Development Commission
Darin Hostetter, Marshall School District
Ken Larimore, University of Illinois Extension
Andrea Lester, Broadband Illinois/PCI
Tiffany Macke, University of Illinois Extension
Brenda Matherly, Illinois Farm Bureau
Johnna Morecraft, Lakeland College Community and Professional Programs
Brian Murphy, Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital
Mike Rudibaugh, Lake Land College
Lee Spaniol, Lake Land College
Mike Sullivan, Illinois Small Business Development Center
Terry Sullivan, Shiloh CUSD#1
Ed VanHoose, Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives
Chris Watkins, Illinois Century Network
Marlene Wirth, Lakeland College Connecting Generations Program
Colleen Wright, Cellular One

Additional Email Group Members: John McDonald of Kaizennet, Jonathon
Hallberg of South Central Illinois Regional Plan Commission, Kevin McAdams
of Mediacom, Kelly Lockhart of Coles County Regional Planning, Kevin
McReynolds of Coles County Regional Planning, Brian Lynch of Lakeland
College, Joanna Knoepfel of Paris Hospital, Tim Richards of Crawford
Memorial Hospital, Doug Sigrist of Ruralcomm, Jeff Voigt of Paris County
Board, Matt Johnson of ITA, David Mollet of ICN, Robin Woodsome of ICN,
Steven Warren of Ameren

If you wish to join the team meetings or email group, please send an email
to barbara.webster@broadbandillinois.org . We meet about 4 to 6 times a
year, usually at Lakeland College in Mattoon.

Past Planning Meetings

05/09/2011 11:36 AM

2/23/12 Community Awareness Committee met and discussed a variety of action items.

2/16/12 Ken Larimore and Barb Webster participated in a Broadband Webinar to help inform community leaders about broadband and PCI.

2/8/12 The University of Illinois Extension and other eTeam Members organized a community meeting in Edgar County to discuss broadband needs and availability. Approximately 50 attended.

2/7/12 Regional Planning Coordinator presented information to Region 12 Superintendents at their bi-monthly meeting at Red Hill State Park. Information included the Digital Divide Grant, Connect to Compete, Broadband Illinois, and how to help parents find providers.

1/31/12 PCI had an informational table and participated in roundtable discussions at the University of Illinois Extension Local Food System and Small Farms Workshop. Approximately 40 people attended.

1/26/12 Barb Webster and Tiffany Macke held a free Senior Citizen Internet Training at Marshall

1/23/12 Barb Webster and Mike Rudibaugh presented at the Shelbyville Rotary Meeting. Approximately 20 people were in attendance.

1/17/12 Met with John Renshaw of Illinois Small Business Development Center

1/11/12 A Community Awareness Committee meeting was held.

12/14/11 The regional eTeam coordinator had a booth at the annual Clark County Senior Citizen Expo in Marshall, Illinois. Dozens of seniors visited the booth to get information about Internet access. Approximately 100 seniors attended the Expo.

12/1/11 The 2nd Annual Regional Broadband Summit was held at Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital in Mattoon, IL. Broadband Illinois and ECIDC partnered on the event. Over 60 community leaders were in attendance. Presentations were given by the Illinois Century Network, Illinois Rural Health Net, Consolidated Communications, Metro Communications, Frontier Communications, DCEO, the Association of Illinois Electric Coops, and the USDA Rural Development. The meeting was preceded by a provider lunch/meeting which gathered approximately 25 providers from around the region to network and review possibilities.

11/16/11 A presentation and question/answer session was held at Kaskaskia College for the SCIGA Economic Development Group.

11/15/11 A presentation about the Broadband Illinois Project was given at the Illinois COOP meeting at the Keller Center in Effingham.

11/14/11 A Community Awareness Committee Meeting was held. Final plans were made for the December 1st Broadband Summit.

11/10/11 A presentation was given to the Crawford County Chamber of Commerce in Robinson, IL.

11/4/11 A presentation about the Broadband Illinois Project was given at the First Friday session of the Effingham Chamber of Commerce at the Keller Center in Effingham, Illinois. Approximately 60 people were in attendance.

10/26/11 The Greater Wabash Regional Planning Commission coordinated a meeting at Wabash Valley College in Mt. Carmel, Illinois. Two Broadband Illinois/PCI Regional Coordinators shared information and answered questions. The needs of the region were discussed, as well as the ICN build, the Clearwave build, and the overall Broadband Illinois project. There were 20 people in attendance.

10/25/11 An East Central Regional Executive eTeam Meeting was held in Mattoon. Community leaders gathered to work on broadband planning. The new Broadband Illinois Regions were reviewed. The December 1st broadband summit and provider meeting was discussed. The web page was reviewed. Collaboration options with Coops was mentioned with more details to come in future. Several action items were determined, and committees will meet before next executive eTeam meeting.

10/18/11 Meeting of the Community Awareness Committee to discuss adoption related plans and the December 1st Broadband Summit.

10/12/11 The regional coordinator attended the Broadband Summit in Urbana, Illinois. Numerous conversations were had with providers and organizations working with broadband.

10/04/11 The regional coordinator met in Palestine, Illinois with Mindy Fiscus, Learning Technology Center Director. School needs were discussed.

9/29/11 Regional Coordinator attended and had PCI information booth at the Downstate Summit in Effingham, Illinois. There were 190 people in attendance. Many people asked questions about the PCI project, and broadband was expressed as a need several times during the conference.

9/22/11 Regional Coordinator attended Connect SIs Provider meeting in Carbondale, Illinois. East Central is hoping to also start a providers group and the meeting helped to understand the dynamics of that group.

9/9/11 Meeting of the Community Awareness Committee at Clark County Extension Office to discuss adoption related plans. There were four members in attendance.

8/25/11 An East Central Regional Executive eTeam Meeting was held in Mattoon. Fourteen community leaders gathered to work on broadband planning. Progress was discussed. A broadband summit and provider meeting was suggested. The new web page was reviewed. The new loan award for 777 miles of fiber for Wabash Telephone Coop was announced to the board. Two engineers from the Illinois Century Network were in attendance and several discussions ensued about the future ICN fiber build. Several action items were determined, and committees will meet before next executive eTeam meeting.

8/23/11 The East Central Regional Coordinator gave a presentation of the broadband project to approximately 25 community leaders at the Newton Rotary Meeting in Newton, IL. A question and answer portion was held and additional community needs were documented.

8/18/11 The East Central Regional Coordinator gave a presentation of the broadband project to 29 community leaders at the regional ECIDC meeting in Mattoon, IL.

8/11/11 The East Central Regional Coordinator met with two community leaders from Crawford County and discussed their access at home and at their business. More information on access at their business was later gathered from their IT Director.

8/5/11 The East Central Regional Coordinator met in Mt. Vernon with Brad Houseright, the Connect SI Regional Coordinator, to continue work on the "I Want My Broadband" web site feedback feature.

8/2/11 The East Central Regional Coordinator met with 10 community leaders from the Jasper County Economic Development Coop to explain the Broadband Illinois Project and find access needs in the county.

8/2/11 The East Central Regional Coordinator met with the Oblong Children's Home Outreach Director and also the Lincoln Trail College Director of Nursing to discuss various needs in their respective organizations.

7/20/11 Barbara Webster, East Central Regional Coordinator, and Jean Anne Grunloh, ECIDC Director, met with eight community leaders of Dieterich, Illinois to discuss needs in the area and to explain the Broadband Illinois Project.

7/15/11 The East Central Regional Coordinator met with Bob Berty of Crawford County Development Corporation, Mindy Fiscus of the Learning Technology Center, and Ron Maxwell of the Flat Rock COOP to discuss needs. Met with Mayor Pat Scholfield of the Village of Palestine to answer questions in regards to a potential broadband grant.

7/14/11 The East Central Regional Coordinator met with James Looft, University of Illinois Extension Director for Shelby, Moultrie, Douglas, Coles, and Cumberland. Discussed needs in area, current industries, and broadband advocates.

7/13/11 The East Central Regional Coordinator met in Mattoon with Mike Rudebaugh and the two Lakeland Interns to create further action items for project and schedules. Mike and Barb also worked on documentation for internships.

7/12/11 The East Central Regional Coordinator met with Ken Smith, Marshall Mayor; Tiffany Macke, University of Illinos Extension Educator; and Rob Crumrin, City of Marshall Technology Specialist to discuss possibilities for businesses and residents along the ICN build.

7/6/11 The East Central Regional Coordinator met in Mt. Vernon with Brad Housewright and Steve Mitchell to discuss broadband needs in the region. The "I Want My Broadband" feedback option was also discussed and a plan for getting it onto the East Central page was developed.

6/30/11 The East Central Regional Coordinator attended and participated in a Broadband Planning Meeting in Martinsville, IL held by University of Illinois Extension Educator, Tiffany Macke. Seven participants from agriculture, education, economic development, and municipalities were present. Broadband needs, future expansions, and current uses were discussed at length.

6/29/11 A webinar was held for dozens of participants throughout Illinois to give information on the eTeams, their goals, and their progress.

6/23/11 An East Central Regional Executive eTeam Meeting was held in Mattoon. Eleven community leaders gathered to work on broadband planning. New data maps were reviewed. Past action items were discussed and new action items determined.

6/2/11 Broadband Summit held in Carbondale at Southern Illinois University. Many broadband advocates from all over the state attended the conference.

5/19/11 ECIDC Annual Meeting and Banquet in Effingham. Broadband interested individuals attending were seated together which encouraged useful discussions during the evening - Frontier, Consolidated, Rural Cooperatives, Cellular One, and PCI.

5/18/11 Impromptu meeting occured with the East Central Regional Coordinator and Brenda Buckley from the Paris Area Chamber of Commerce. Discussed Paris's economic development group PEDCO.

5 /12/11 An East Central Regional Executive eTeam Meeting was held in Mattoon. Twelve community leaders gathered to work on broadband planning. Action items were determined and committees will meet before next executive eTeam meeting. A new draft web page was reviewed and several suggestions for additions and revisions were documented for future action.

4/13/11 A meeting was held in Mattoon between five of the members of the East Central Regional eTeam to discuss coordination with Lakeland College and ECIDC, including the potential for bringing on an intern to assist with the project for a portion of the summer.

4/13/11 A meeting was held in Charleston with the Coles County Regional Plan Commission Executive Director to discuss the plan commission and how it might be able to collaborate with the East Central Regional eTeam for broadband planning activities.

4/4/11 PCI's East Central eTeam Coordinator hosted an informational booth at the East Central Illinois Development Corporation Community Development Symposium held at Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital in Mattoon, IL. There were 72 people who attended the conference, and numerous community leaders stopped by the PCI booth to ask questions and gather information about the Broadband Illinois Project.

3/29/11 Clark County Quality Connections had the East Central Regional Coordinator as their featured speaker for their quarterly meeting in Martinsville, IL at the public library. Multiple regional economic development specialists were in attendance.

3/24/11 An East Central Regional Executive eTeam Meeting was held in Mattoon, IL. Fifteen community leaders, which included three regional broadband vendors, attended the meeting.

3/23/11 The Illinois Association of School Administrators from the Wabash Valley Region featured the East Central Regional eTeam Coordinator as the speaker for their meeting in Casey, IL. Several contacts were made and information was gathered on needs. Twelve administrators attended.

3/16/11 A Clark County Broadband Meeting was held in Marshall, IL Eight community members and a broadband vendor were present. A local television station out of Terre Haute, IN also attended to report on the meeting. The nightly news featured an interview of one of the Clark County Broadband Members as well as the East Central Regional eTeam Coordinator.