$37.4 million boost for broadband could transform internet access in the region
$37.4 million boost for broadband could transform internet access in the region WJAC Johnstown
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$37.4 Million Allocated for Increased Access to Broadband Internet in Our Region
WJAC —
The Pennsylvania broadband development authority and local lawmakers have announced a funding of $37.4 million to enhance access to broadband internet in our region. This initiative is part of the ongoing efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Supplemental Funding from the U.S. Department of Treasury
The funding, currently in its early stages, is being provided through supplemental funding from the U.S. Department of Treasury, also known as the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA).
Importance of Internet Access
State Senator Wayne Langerholc emphasizes the increasing importance of internet access in our daily lives. He believes that this funding will not only address the gaps in broadband internet access for rural areas but also promote healthy competition.
“Internet access is crucial across a multitude of issues. We witnessed its significance firsthand during the pandemic, especially in education, businesses, overall quality of life, and even healthcare with telemedicine. It has become as essential as water, electricity, and gas in today’s day and age,” says Langerholc.
Investment Back into Our Region
Senator Kristin Philips-Hill, representing York County, is leading this initiative to ensure that the funding benefits our region. Lawmakers believe that this investment is necessary to support the residents and businesses in our area.
Improving Connectivity and Speed
Residents in our region express their gratitude for the funding, as it will help offset the fees they would have had to pay otherwise. According to the PBDA, over 286,000 locations in the commonwealth currently have sub-par internet connectivity and speeds.
Long-Term Goal: Universal Broadband Access
The ultimate goal of this initiative is to provide broadband access to every individual in the commonwealth. Although it is a long-term goal, Senator Langerholc assures that they are fully committed to achieving it and will continue working towards it.
I reached out to the Pennsylvania Broadband Internet Authority for a direct comment, but they have not responded at the time of publishing this article.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020 | – Number of people with access to broadband internet – Number of locations with sub-par internet connectivity and speeds |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.b: By 2020, substantially expand globally the number of scholarships available to developing countries, in particular least developed countries, small island developing States and African countries, for enrolment in higher education, including vocational training and information and communications technology, technical, engineering and scientific programmes, in developed countries and other developing countries | – Impact of broadband internet access on education during the pandemic |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all | – Impact of broadband internet access on telemedicine in different hospitals |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
The article discusses the allocation of $37.4 million for increased access to broadband internet. This directly relates to SDG 9, which aims to promote sustainable industrialization, foster innovation, and build resilient infrastructure. The goal is to significantly increase access to information and communications technology, including the Internet.
SDG 4: Quality Education
The article mentions the impact of broadband internet access on education during the pandemic. This aligns with SDG 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article highlights the importance of broadband internet access in the health realm, specifically in telemedicine and different hospitals. This connects to SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020
The article emphasizes the need for increased access to broadband internet, especially in rural areas. This aligns with Target 9.c, which aims to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet.
Target 4.b: By 2020, substantially expand globally the number of scholarships available to developing countries, in particular least developed countries, small island developing States and African countries, for enrolment in higher education, including vocational training and information and communications technology, technical, engineering and scientific programmes, in developed countries and other developing countries
Although not explicitly mentioned in the article, the impact of broadband internet access on education during the pandemic implies the importance of expanding access to educational resources. This relates to Target 4.b, which focuses on expanding scholarships and access to higher education, including vocational training and information and communications technology.
Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all
The article mentions the use of broadband internet in telemedicine and different hospitals. This aligns with Target 3.8, which aims to achieve universal health coverage and ensure access to quality healthcare services.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
– Number of people with access to broadband internet: The article mentions that over 286,000 locations in Pennsylvania have sub-par internet connectivity and speeds. Tracking the number of people gaining access to broadband internet can measure progress towards Target 9.c.
– Impact of broadband internet access on education during the pandemic: Although not explicitly mentioned, the article highlights the importance of broadband internet access for education. Monitoring the impact of broadband internet on educational outcomes can measure progress towards Target 4.b.
– Impact of broadband internet access on telemedicine in different hospitals: The article mentions the use of broadband internet in telemedicine. Assessing the impact of broadband internet access on telemedicine services and healthcare outcomes can measure progress towards Target 3.8.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020 | – Number of people with access to broadband internet – Number of locations with sub-par internet connectivity and speeds |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.b: By 2020, substantially expand globally the number of scholarships available to developing countries, in particular least developed countries, small island developing States and African countries, for enrolment in higher education, including vocational training and information and communications technology, technical, engineering and scientific programmes, in developed countries and other developing countries | – Impact of broadband internet access on education during the pandemic |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all | – Impact of broadband internet access on telemedicine in different hospitals |
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Fuente: wjactv.com
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