Logan County Launches Survey to Assess Broadband Needs in the County
Gathering information to build a pathway to Digital Inclusion

 

[February 27, 2024] 

At the beginning of February, the Logan County Board launched a county wide household survey to gather information from citizens on their current internet speeds, providers, concerns and needs to inform planning efforts and guide the formulation of short and long term broadband infrastructure plans in Logan County.

In 2023, Logan County applied to be a part of Project Broadband Breakthrough led by ISA and the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, with funding provided by the United Soybean Board. Program collaborators include the Center for Rural Strategies, the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity’s Office of Broadband, the University of Illinois Extension, the University of Illinois Broadband Lab, the Illinois Innovation Network, Illinois State University, and the Wireless Research Center. This work has focused on how broadband access impacts every aspect of our rural lives but especially the importance of access to precision agriculture practices.

One of the first steps is to conduct a market study, co-sponsored by Logan County Board, Logan County Farm Bureau, Greater Peoria EDC, Illinois Soybean Association, University of Illinois Extension, Illinois Broadband Lab, and the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society with the support of numerous community groups.

High speed, reliable internet services are essential to every aspect of life today including jobs, education, health care, and recreation. By the end of the 14-week program, the Logan County Broadband Planning Team will have completed a community-driven, broadband strategic plan that articulates the community's broadband vision and identifies an action plan for progress toward improved broadband access in the areas of community and economic development, education, civic engagement, healthcare, agriculture, and more.

“The goal is to gain a greater understanding of community interest and need for enhanced internet service throughout the county, the survey will provide valuable documentation of need and the interest among households in various parts of Logan County for expanded broadband infrastructure”, Kathie Brown, Director of Rural Development and Outreach for the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council said.

The purpose of the survey is to gather data and documentation that will inform planning. Survey results will no doubt help in identification of priority areas for future broadband development based on the needs and interest expressed by survey participants. Survey results will be shared with communities, local government officials, and Internet Service Providers.

Thanks to the support provided both by Illinois Soybean Board and the Illinois Office of Broadband, this work provides a great opportunity for community leaders and Internet Service Providers to exchange ideas on strategies for building out broadband infrastructure to underserved areas in Logan County.

“In 2024, internet access is not something that is just convenient to have. It is an essential part of everyday life. Having access to the internet is a huge quality of life issue, ensuring access to broadband services throughout Logan County is critical for us to attract and retain residents. Throughout the broadband planning process, our goal as a committee is to not only garner interest and engagement, but to create a plan that helps Logan County communities accelerate broadband planning and create public/ private partnerships needed to secure federal and state funding that is currently available for broadband infrastructure. ” Emily Davenport, Chairman of the Logan County Board, added.

The survey is open to all Logan County residents and can be accessed:
https://go.illinois.edu/LoganCoBroadbandStu

About the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council

The Greater Peoria Economic Development Council (GPEDC) is a regional economic development organization covering the Greater Peoria area spanning five counties in central Illinois: Logan, Mason, Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford. The GPEDC’s mission is to promote economic development in the region through its six core programs which are Business Attraction, Business Assistance, Workforce Solutions, Innovation and Startups, Rural Development, and the development and promotion of a regional Manufacturing Network.
 

[Kathie Brown Director of Rural Outreach and Development
Greater Peoria Economic Development Council]