Illinois is investing $70 million to improve broadband service in nine counties: LaSalle, Ogle, Lee, Whiteside, Joe Daviess, Carroll, Stephenson, Winnebago, and Boone. The project is funded by $14 million from the Illinois Jobs Now! program and $10 million from private sources. $46 million from the federal government will create 485 jobs.

"Investing in state-of-the-art information and communication networks is a great way to strengthen our economy," said Governor Pat Quinn. "Illinois has won over $240 million in federal broadband funding to date, funds that will connect Illinois homes and businesses, and put thousands of people back to work."

Illinois won the grant through a contest from the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Northern Illinois University submitted the proposal on behalf of the Illinois Broadband Opportunity Partnership - Northwest Region, a group of public and private sector entities organized by Governor Quinn.