Partnership for a Connected Illinois

The Partnership for a Connected Illinois, Inc. (PCI), is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Springfield, Illinois.

PCI has a three-fold mission: (a) to collect and publish broadband data, (b) to ensure broadband access throughout the State, and (c) to maximize broadband's impact and use.

The deployment and adoption of high-speed internet services and information technology has resulted in enhanced economic development and public safety for Illinois' communities, improved healthcare and educational opportunities, and a better quality of life for the state's residents. Continued progress in the deployment and adoption of high-speed internet services and information technology is vital ensuring that Illinois remains competitive and continues to create business and job growth.

The High-Speed Internet Services and Information Technology Act (Public Act 95-684) authorized the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to enlist a non-profit organization to implement comprehensive, statewide high-speed internet deployment strategy and demand creation initiative. This strategy will encourage and support the partnership of public and private sectors in the continued growth of high-speed internet and information technology for the state's residents and businesses. The Partnership for a Connected Illinois is the designated entity by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) under the State Broadband Data and Development grant program.

The goals of the Illinois high-speed internet deployment strategy include:

Ensuring that Illinois residents and businesses have access to affordable and reliable high-speed internet service; Improving technology literacy, computer ownership, and high-speed internet use among residents and businesses; Establishing local technology planning teams to plan for improved technology use; Establishing and sustaining an environment that facilitates high-speed internet access and technology investment. Achieving the goals of this initiative will require a determined effort between the public and private stakeholders with the Partnership for a Connected Illinois, Inc., as the coordinating entity. The lead public stakeholders in the initiative include the Governor's Office, DCEO, and the Illinois Broadband Deployment Council.