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  "description": "Ports commission urges Congress not to stall broadband rollout, as state launches second funding round",
  "path": "/illinois-moves-forward-on-bead-as-federal-overhaul-looms/",
  "publishedAt": "2025-05-27T21:34:29.000Z",
  "site": "https://broadbandbreakfast.com",
  "tags": [
    "_a letter_",
    "_reported early outcomes_",
    "IllinoisGet a snapshot view of broadband initiatives in Illinois.Broadband BreakfastState Broadband",
    "_part of the fourth round_",
    "_during a time of uncertainty for the BEAD program and its future_.",
    "_updated guidance this summer_",
    "_revoked funding_",
    "_Wisconsin_",
    "_New Mexico_"
  ],
  "textContent": "May 27, 2025 – As Illinois launched Wave 2 of its Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program Tuesday, state leaders and local infrastructure groups warned that looming federal changes could stall deployment by up to two years.\n\nIn _a letter_ to Sen. **Dick Durbin** , D-Ill., the Illinois Waterway Ports Commission urged Congress to preserve state flexibility over BEAD implementation, pointing to the success of Illinois’s first funding wave.\n\nThe state received 238 proposals covering 86% of eligible locations in Wave 1. The state’s Office of Broadband _reported early outcomes_, saying selected projects alone would connect more than 37% of target locations, over one-fifth of those being among the state’s hardest to serve.\n\nIllinoisGet a snapshot view of broadband initiatives in Illinois.Broadband BreakfastState Broadband\n\nIn a Wednesday newsletter, the Illinois Office of Broadband confirmed that applicants from Wave 1 would receive status updates that day and officially launched the second wave of funding.\n\nThis phase – _part of the fourth round_ of the state’s Connect Illinois grant program – will prioritize both “priority broadband projects” in unserved areas and “non-priority” deployments where no qualifying projects exist.\n\nThe announcements come _during a time of uncertainty for the BEAD program and its future_. The Commerce Department has announced it will issue _updated guidance this summer_ that could reshape state-level deployment strategies.\n\nThe Trump administration _revoked funding_ for BEAD’s sister program, the Digital Equity Act, on May 9, prompting Illinois broadband officials to urge action to preserve the $24.7 million initiative.\n\nIllinois Governor **J.B. Pritzker** and broadband officials warned the move could jeopardize programs that have already distributed over 1,400 devices and hosted more than 4,000 digital skills classes for residents facing systemic digital barriers.\n\nOther states are also pushing forward: _Wisconsin_ and _New Mexico_ have reminded providers that BEAD Round 2 applications are due on Thursday, May 29 and Friday, May 30, respectively.",
  "title": "Illinois Moves Forward on BEAD as Federal Overhaul Looms",
  "updatedAt": "2026-03-11T03:28:48.640Z"
}