As Broadband Access Lags, Cities Build Their Own Networks to Get Communities Online
As Broadband Access Lags, Cities Build Their Own Networks to Get Communities Online CNET
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Fort Collins, Colorado: A Model for Municipal Broadband Networks
In Fort Collins, Colorado, residents like Eric Holland have a unique option when signing up for internet service. Instead of being limited to giant providers like Comcast, Charter, or Cox, they can opt for a city-owned and operated service, called Connexion.
Background and Genesis of Connexion
Connexion’s genesis took place about a decade ago when the city was looking for ways to bring faster, more affordable internet to the community. In November 2017, voters approved a ballot measure to build a municipal fiber network. By 2023, Connexion was available to all homes and businesses in the area.
Benefits of Municipal Broadband Networks
These initiatives highlight the ways communities are bridging the gaps left by large, private ISPs, whose services can be unaffordable or simply unavailable to many people, especially among rural, low-income, and marginalized populations. For many of these communities, municipal and publicly owned networks are the only way to truly get connected.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Impact of Limited Broadband Access
The COVID-19 pandemic illustrated just how big the digital divide is. In the shift toward remote work and online learning, many had to grapple with a lack of broadband access. Traditional internet providers have long dominated the scene, thanks in large part to lobbying and political donations that helped cement their ubiquity across much of the US. But geographical challenges and high costs tend to deter larger providers from building infrastructure in remote and overlooked areas, leaving many communities in the dark.
Building Broadband for the Future
Tech developments can be a step toward improving productivity and connection for some people, but each new wave can also leave others behind. Expanding fiber access, especially at the community level, is key to expanding broadband access. Municipal networks like Connexion provide a model for other communities looking to bridge the digital divide and achieve the SDGs.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.
- SDG 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities.
- SDG 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of households and businesses connected to municipal fiber networks (indicator for SDG 9.4)
- Availability of affordable and reliable broadband access in communities (indicator for SDG 11.7)
- Number of active municipal broadband networks in the US (indicator for SDG 17.17)
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes. | Number of households and businesses connected to municipal fiber networks |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities. | Availability of affordable and reliable broadband access in communities |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships. | Number of active municipal broadband networks in the US |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: cnet.com
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