The Federal Communications Commission officials have granted $116.6 million towards rural broadband internet in Illinois. The funds will be put towards to expand affordable broadband for 8,640 rural homes and businesses over the next ten years. The support is geared towards providers in smaller rural areas, which are referred to as rate-of-return carriers  In return the provider must maintain, improve, and expand broadband throughout their service areas This includes providing a minimum of  25 Megabits every second upstream and an additional three seconds up stream.