Broadband initiative targets lack of access and slow internet speeds
Broadband initiative targets lack of access and slow internet speeds Hawaii News Now
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HONOLULU Releases Millions of Dollars for Internet Connectivity Initiatives
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The state of HONOLULU is taking significant steps to address internet connectivity issues by allocating hundreds of millions of dollars towards initiatives aimed at connecting more people to the internet and improving services for those already online.
Recognizing Internet Access as a Necessity
The federal initiative acknowledges that internet access is no longer considered a luxury but a basic necessity. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the significant disparities in internet access across Hawaii, particularly in rural areas where many struggle to connect.
Addressing Poor Internet Speeds
In addition to addressing the issue of limited access, the $320 million in grants announced on Tuesday also tackle the problem of poor internet speeds, even in areas where people are paying for high-quality service.
During the pandemic, children on Hawaii Island had to attend school at mobile Wi-Fi sites because their homes were out of reach for for-profit internet services.
Supplementing Private Providers
Governor Josh Green has appointed Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke to lead the broadband initiative. Lieutenant Governor Luke stated that the federal funding would supplement areas where private providers have fallen short.
“We are relying on private providers to make decisions on what is financially equitable or financially plausible for them to go into certain communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Luke.
Investing in Rural Subdivisions
During a press conference, Lieutenant Governor Luke announced the first installment of over $400 million in federal funding, with a significant portion dedicated to bringing rural subdivisions into the internet age.
Riley Saito, a Hawaii County Energy and Infrastructure Specialist, highlighted the Ocean View subdivision as an example of the challenges faced in connecting large lot sizes to the internet. The funding will enable the necessary infrastructure to bridge this gap.
Ensuring Connectivity in Remote Areas
Shola Kahiapo-Trevino, Hawaii County Digital Equity Specialist, emphasized the importance of providing central spaces with connectivity in cases where connecting individual homes is not feasible or affordable.
Promoting Digital Literacy
The grants announced on Tuesday also include funding for training programs aimed at teaching people how to effectively use devices and online services. This addresses a significant gap in digital literacy, particularly among kupuna (elderly) in rural areas.
“You could have the best internet connection, but if you lack the skills to utilize it, it becomes irrelevant. Digital skills are crucial,” said an advocate for digital equity.
Improving Data Capacity and Service
The funding will also support the development of an interisland cable to enhance data capacity across the state and address inadequate service. The University of Hawaii Chief Information Officer, Garret Yoshimi, emphasized the importance of ensuring that internet performance matches what users are paying for.
Testing Internet Speed and Reporting Issues
To encourage public participation, individuals are encouraged to test their internet speed and report any issues they encounter. This will help broadband initiative experts identify areas that require attention. The program has a dedicated website, ConnectKakou.org, where users can conduct speed tests and find information about upcoming public meetings.
Copyright 2023 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The article discusses the issue of internet access and connectivity in rural areas of Hawaii, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure and services. This aligns with SDG 9, which focuses on building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation. The article also mentions the importance of internet access for education, which relates to SDG 4, aiming to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Additionally, the article acknowledges the inequality in internet access and the need to address this disparity, linking to SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequalities within and among countries.
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 (ICT) and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the internet in least developed countries by 2020.
- Target 4.c: By 2030, substantially increase the supply of qualified teachers, including through international cooperation for teacher training in developing countries, especially least developed countries and small island developing states.
- Target 10.c: By 2030, reduce to less than 3% the transaction costs of migrant remittances and eliminate remittance corridors with costs higher than 5%.
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are related to increasing access to the internet (Target 9.c), providing training for using online services and devices (Target 4.c), and reducing inequalities in internet access (Target 10.c).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 9.c.1: Proportion of population covered by a mobile network, by technology.
- Indicator 4.c.1: Proportion of teachers in: (a) pre-primary; (b) primary; (c) lower secondary; and (d) upper secondary education who have received at least the minimum organized teacher training (e.g., pedagogical training) pre-service or in-service required for teaching at the relevant level in a given country.
- Indicator 10.c.1: Remittance costs as a proportion of the amount remitted.
The article does not explicitly mention any indicators, but based on the identified targets, the indicators that can be used to measure progress are the proportion of the population covered by a mobile network (Indicator 9.c.1), the proportion of teachers who have received minimum training (Indicator 4.c.1), and remittance costs as a proportion of the amount remitted (Indicator 10.c.1).
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology (ICT) and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the internet in least developed countries by 2020. | Indicator 9.c.1: Proportion of population covered by a mobile network, by technology. |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.c: By 2030, substantially increase the supply of qualified teachers, including through international cooperation for teacher training in developing countries, especially least developed countries and small island developing states. | Indicator 4.c.1: Proportion of teachers in: (a) pre-primary; (b) primary; (c) lower secondary; and (d) upper secondary education who have received at least the minimum organized teacher training (e.g., pedagogical training) pre-service or in-service required for teaching at the relevant level in a given country. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.c: By 2030, reduce to less than 3% the transaction costs of migrant remittances and eliminate remittance corridors with costs higher than 5%. | Indicator 10.c.1: Remittance costs as a proportion of the amount remitted. |
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: hawaiinewsnow.com
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