Delaware’s proposal to expand internet access approved by feds, more funding to come

Delaware to Receive $107 Million for High-Speed Internet Expansion

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration has approved Delaware’s initial proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. This program is a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative and aims to expand high-speed internet access in the state. With this approval, Delaware can now request access to over $107 million in federal funding and begin implementing its plan.

Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program

The BEAD program is a $42.45 billion state grant program authorized by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Its primary goal is to ensure equitable access to high-speed internet across the country. In addition to expanding internet infrastructure, the program also supports efforts related to internet adoption, training, and workforce development.

Delaware’s Efforts in Broadband Expansion

Prior to the BEAD program, Delaware had already allocated $33 million in ARPA funds to expand broadband access. This initiative, which is nearing completion, will connect approximately 6,700 additional homes to broadband. The new BEAD program funding will further expand access by connecting an estimated six to seven thousand more homes. However, the cost of connecting these remaining households is significantly higher than the homes connected through ARPA funds.

Delaware Broadband Office Executive Director Roddy Flynn emphasizes the challenges faced in reaching these last households, as they are located in remote areas. The goal is to provide fiber connections to each of these homes, avoiding the need for wireless solutions. However, this approach comes with a higher price tag due to the infrastructure required.

Ensuring Access for All

Flynn expresses confidence that the funding from the BEAD program will enable Delaware to become the first state to provide all residents with affordable, reliable, high-speed internet service. He highlights the importance of reaching marginalized and low-income populations who are more likely to lack internet access. The goal is to ensure that this investment benefits the population it aims to reach.

As part of the BEAD program, providers participating in Delaware’s broadband expansion efforts must offer a $30 per month price point for addresses within the program. However, if providers can demonstrate market pressure that makes it impossible to operate at this price point, they can request a waiver to charge up to $65 per month. This higher price must still be affordable for their customers.

Impact on Healthcare and Telehealth

The expanded access to high-speed internet through these broadband expansion efforts has received support from healthcare providers. Improved internet connectivity enables telehealth services, which are particularly crucial for reaching rural populations. Flynn emphasizes that high-speed internet can be potentially lifesaving for individuals in these rural areas.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • 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.
   • Indicator 9.c.1: Proportion of population covered by a mobile network, by technology.

2. 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 primary 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.

Analysis

The article addresses the issue of expanding high-speed internet access in Delaware, which is connected to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. The specific target under this SDG that can be identified based on the article’s content is Target 9.c, which aims to 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 also mentions the importance of internet access for healthcare providers to reach rural populations, which is connected to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. However, there are no specific targets or indicators mentioned in the article related to this SDG.

Based on the article, the indicator 9.c.1 can be used to measure progress towards the identified target. This indicator measures the proportion of the population covered by a mobile network, by technology. By expanding high-speed internet access in Delaware, more people will have access to mobile networks and internet connectivity.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Fuente: delawarepublic.org

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