Governor Pritzker Announces $1 Billion to Expand High-Speed Internet Across Illinois

[Viable Food News Desk]

Publisher: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Published: August 25, 2026
Source: Read at Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Category: Food Access

The State of Illinois has been approved for $1.04 billion through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced. The state said the funding will connect approximately 350,000 residents through homes, businesses, and community institutions across Illinois by 2031. The state also said total broadband investment, including private investment, prior public funding, and new BEAD funding, will exceed $2 billion.

Why this matters: Rural grocers and food-access groups could benefit if projects improve internet access for local stores, farms, small businesses, and residents. Better connectivity may also support online services and business operations in communities included in the projects.

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