VERMILION COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — Vermilion Advantage is committed to providing faster, more reliable internet in underserved areas of Vermilion County.
Illinois’ $1 million will be distributed to areas of need across the state, including rural areas. Vermilion Advantage is working with local leaders, businesses and community members to advocate for this funding to be distributed throughout Vermilion County.
“Improving broadband internet access is critical to economic development, education, public safety and every aspect of county growth,” Vermilion Advantage said in a release.
Agencies supporting this cause include Farm Bureau, Danville Area Community College, Vermilion County, Vermilion County Superintendent of Schools, Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department and 911.
Vermilion Advantage joins the Illinois Broadband Breakthrough Program through the University of Illinois Extension Service, the Soybean Association, the Benton Institute for Broadband and Society, and others. The program in which all these organizations participate provides them with the opportunity to meet weekly and plan a roadmap to achieve this infrastructure.
“We are committed to advancing this important economic cause and will continue to recruit people to help us. What we need most right now is volunteers to help us conduct surveys across the county,” the release continued. “It requires a commitment to community service, improving quality of life, common sense and real-life experience.”
Vermilion County community members are asked to complete the Internet Access Survey at go.illinois.edu/ConnectVermilion. The findings will help create a reliable map of the lack of reliable internet access, which can then be used to apply for funding to help address the problem.
Participants can also print and mail the survey. Available in English and Spanish. Once completed, a hard copy can be mailed to Vermilion Advantage, 15 North Walnut Street, Danville, IL 61832.
Any questions can be emailed to mike@vermilionadvantage.com.