CSFN provides backhaul services to many, including the Illinois Century Network - which serves over 3,400 public K-12 schools, universities, and libraries. For example, Cook County received a little under $2 million to expand its Chicago Southland Fiber Network (CSFN).

First-round winners consist of both middle- and last-mile builds touching at least 27 counties throughout the state. The Broadband Grant Program offers applicants up to $5 million in funding for projects with the stipulation that they match it with an equal or greater amount of other, nonstate funds.

It represents the first milestone in what is a significant commitment to closing Illinois' broadband gap. Together they total $50 million in state funds matched by $65 million in additional money for 28 projects by 18 different Internet Service Providers (ISPs) that will, ultimately, connect 26,000 homes, farms, community institutions, and businesses in the state. A year ago we wrote about Illinois’ $420 million commitment to broadband expansion, and now the first round of grant winners has been released.

Allpoint networx