The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is offering the Connect Illinois Round 4 - Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program to expand broadband access statewide. This program, funded through the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), aims to connect underserved and unserved locations with broadband services. Using a mix of fiber-optic technology and alternative technologies, the program prioritizes affordable, scalable broadband infrastructure deployment to advance digital equity and economic development throughout Illinois. The program also incorporates a focus on workforce development, compliance with labor standards, and fostering digital inclusion in economically disadvantaged and high-cost areas.

The program provides $1 billion in federal funding for competitive subgrants to eligible entities. Subgrantees will be selected based on a merit-based review process and must meet the technical and financial requirements set forth by the program. Subgrantees are expected to deliver broadband services with minimum speeds of 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload to eligible locations. Projects are subject to environmental reviews, matching fund requirements, and compliance with state and federal reporting obligations.