DECATUR, Ill.— According to the Federal Communications Commission’s Eight Broadband progress report, “approximately 9 million Americans- six percent of the population- still lack access to fixed broadband service at threshold speeds.”  Rural areas account for approximately one-fourth of the population. Virtual learning and adults working from home during the pandemic brought this issue to the forefront once again.

University of Illinois Extension is working to lessen the gap of connectivity by providing free Wi-fi access from the parking lots of some of its 115 offices through the American Connection Project. The Macon County Extension office, located at 3351 N. President Howard Brown Blvd. in Decatur, is pleased to be part of this effort and encourages community members to park in its upper lot and access the free Wi-fi connection 24 hours a day.

Visit https://americanconnection.io for an interactive map listing additional Wi-fi access locations provided by Extension and cooperating partners.

Writer: Maria Lightner, Marketing and Communications, University of Illinois Extension

ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.