Peoria County Launches Digital Equity Pilot to Bridge the Digital Divide

Peoria County has launched a Digital Equity Pilot program, designed to provide low-cost or no-cost internet access to eligible low-income households. The initiative is funded through a $125,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity.

The importance of reliable internet access became undeniable during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it shifted from being a luxury to a necessity for daily life. The Digital Equity Pilot is a response to this growing need, aiming to help residents secure high-speed internet for essential activities such as remote work, online learning, and telehealth services.

Led by Peoria County's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Unit, the program is being developed in collaboration with the Information & Technology Working Group of the City/County Joint Commission on Racial Justice and Equity. Peoria County has partnered with leading internet providers-Mediacom, Comcast, Tel-Star Communications, and Mid Century Fiber-to offer packages that meet federal standards, ensuring speeds of at least 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload.

"The Digital Equity Pilot reflects Peoria County's commitment to addressing inequities in digital access," said Andre Allen, Peoria County's Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. "By working together with broadband providers, we're able to offer a critical resource to underserved households across Peoria County. We look forward to seeing the impact this program will have over the next year."

The pilot will run for 12 months and is available to households in Peoria County. Participants will be selected via a lottery system, with priority given to those with lower area median incomes. Peoria County will cover the full cost of broadband service for one year, with payments made directly to the service providers.

The sign-up period for the program is open through Monday, November 25. After applications are received and reviewed, participants will be selected and notified during the week of December 2. The goal is to have all households connected and receiving service by Friday, December 27.

Residents can review the full eligibility requirements and submit an application online at www.peoriacounty.gov/DEI. For additional information, please contact Brittany Graves at (309) 495-4666 or via email at [email protected].