The Graduate School of Library and Information Science (GSLIS) at the University of Illinois has received grant funding from the Partnership for a Connected Illinois to study broadband usage in Illinois.
Researchers at GSLIS are partnering with Urbana-Champaign Big Broadband (UC2B) to deepen the understanding of the barriers to broadband adoption among residents of underserved communities. UC2B is building an underground “fiber optic” internet network that allows data to be transmitted at speeds far exceeding current DSL or cable modem speeds—typically 50 times faster. The fiber-optic “backbone” infrastructure will provide FTTP (fiber-to-the-premise) connectivity to 11 pre-identified census areas in the twin cities of Champaign-Urbana (population 210,275, 2000 U.S. Census).
Jon Gant, research professor, will direct a canvassing operations and research team to assess and evaluate the implementation, progress and overall adoption success of the UC2B project. “Our goal is to work hand-in-hand with the community to help bridge the digital divide for those held back by limited or no access to broadband,” said Gant. The research project, entitled “Strategies for Sustainable Broadband Adoption in Illinois: The Case of UC2B,” begins this fall.
Professor Abdul Alkalimat and Assistant Professor Kate Williams of GSLIS will provide case study and archival support to the project through funding from the University of Illinois’ Community Informatics Initiative. They will develop case studies to provide in-depth information chronicling the transformation of community anchor institutions as they adopt broadband and will create a digital archive that documents the UC2B project in its entirety.
The broadband connectivity will reach eligible homes and businesses within the next year, and is expected to improve access and support to the community in substantial ways, including helping school children access greater learning tools for development; providing job training to unemployed or underemployed citizens; allowing small businesses to offer services to national and international markets; and allowing doctors and hospitals a greater connection to health services, research and advancement.
Construction for the project is made possible by a $22.5 million federal stimulus grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce and is further supported by a $3.5 million grant from the state Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and $3.4 million in local public and private matching funds.
For more information on UC2B, including maps of the qualified census areas, visit www.UC2B.net or follow UC2B on Facebook at “UC2B-Urbana-Champaign-Google-Fiber.”
Maeve Reilly
Research Services Coordinator
Graduate School of Library and Information Science
University of Illinois
Rm 219 LIS
501 E. Daniel
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 244-7316