Special Committee on Broadband

In 2023, the Lake County Board formed a new committee focused on determining the current state of broadband in Lake County and coming up with recommendations for improvement. The Committee will consider our resident’s access, affordability, and use in their work. 

The Lake County Board recognizes that a high-speed internet connection is necessary in today’s world and is essential in our education, work, health care, and communication. However, having a connection alone is not enough. Access at an appropriate speed, training and support on accessing the internet, and having financial means to obtain appropriate service and devices, are also essential.  

Are You Aware of the Federal Affordable Connectivity Program? 

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that helps connect families and households struggling to afford internet service. This benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.

Learn how to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program. 

There are many eligible households in Lake County that are not taking advantage of this program. A breakdown can be found in the map below. 

Lake County ACP Enrollment by Zip Code

High-Speed Internet Access in Lake County

The Committee will be looking at the currently available infrastructure and programs to determine the best way to meet these needs to support all residents. The Committee is evaluating communities that are unserved and underserved with high-speed internet access. 

Unserved

An unserved area has an internet connection speed of fewer than 25 megabits per second (Mbps) in download speed and 3 Mbps in upload speed. Below is a breakdown of households and businesses that are unserved.  

IncorporationPopulation Households & BusinessesAge 18+Age Under 18
Incorporated354313002959584
Unincorporated489287369120


Underserved

An underserved area has an internet connection speed of fewer than 100 megabits per second (Mbps) in download speed, and 20 Mbps in upload speed. Below is a breakdown of households and businesses that are underserved.

IncorporationPopulationHouseholds & BusinessesAge 18+Age Under 18
Incorporated234,00793,719175,88358,124
Unincorporated27,99711,99122,2655732

View the Full-Size Map (PDF)

Lake County IL Fixed Broadband Coverage

Funding Opportunities and Programs 

The Committee will evaluate a number of programs and funding opportunities to determine Lake County's eligibility. This includes: 

Special Committee Meeting Schedule & Agendas