East Texans share concerns about internet access, affordability, usage with Broadband Development Office
East Texans share concerns about internet access, affordability, usage with Broadband Development Office KLTV
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Broadband Development Office Seeks to Address Internet Access Challenges in Texas
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LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) – In this digital age, broadband internet has become an essential aspect of everyday life. But with concerns of access, affordability, and usage, the Texas legislature created the Broadband Development Office to help communities across the state.
And Tuesday night, officials from that office, along with Connected Nation, traveled to Longview to hear from East Texans and their concerns about the internet in this region of the state.
Addressing Internet Access Challenges for Sustainable Development
Director of local and regional planning for Connected Nation, Molly Weiner said, “We know that people need to be online that everything is you know happening in this digital world. But there are too many people in the region that can’t get online for some reason. So we want to hear about what those challenges are and ways we can help to solve them.”
After hearing that feedback, the goal is to develop the Texas Digital Opportunity Plan.
The Texas Digital Opportunity Plan
“The plan is really an opportunity for the state to put together a set of programs, a plan for how we’re going to address the way people can afford the internet, have the devices to get online, and have the skills to know how to use it. And so this plan will help unlock federal funding to really support communities and that work of getting more people online.” said Weiner.
Internet Access in Rural Areas
One of the barriers mentioned by an east Texan was the lack of internet access in those rural parts of the area.
Mark Heatwole is a Van city council member. He came to the public meeting to discuss education opportunities for Van ISD.
“You know the school districts, especially Van school district probably would be plugged in really well with tablets and things of that nature. So I feel that we need to make sure that the students can get access to broadband when they’re outside of the city.”
“It means a lot for local communities. It means a lot for economic development, and so making sure that everyone has the ability to access and use it is really important.” said Weiner.
Conclusion
The broadband development office expects to complete the digital opportunity plan later this fall.
Copyright 2023 KLTV. All rights reserved.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
| 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 | – Lack of internet access in rural areas – Affordability of internet services |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 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 | – Ensuring students have access to broadband outside of the city |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.10: Strengthen the capacity of domestic financial institutions to encourage and expand access to banking, insurance, and financial services for all | – Broadband access as a driver for economic development |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article are SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, SDG 4: Quality Education, and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are:
– 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.
– 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 8.10: Strengthen the capacity of domestic financial institutions to encourage and expand access to banking, insurance, and financial services for all.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include:
– Lack of internet access in rural areas: This indicates the need to increase access to information and communications technology, as stated in Target 9.c.
– Affordability of internet services: This indicates the need to provide universal and affordable access to the internet, as stated in Target 9.c.
– Ensuring students have access to broadband outside of the city: This indicates the need to increase access to broadband for educational purposes, as stated in Target 4.c.
– Broadband access as a driver for economic development: This indicates the importance of broadband access for economic growth, as stated in Target 8.10.
By monitoring these indicators, progress can be measured towards achieving the identified targets.
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 | – Lack of internet access in rural areas – Affordability of internet services |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 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 | – Ensuring students have access to broadband outside of the city |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.10: Strengthen the capacity of domestic financial institutions to encourage and expand access to banking, insurance, and financial services for all | – Broadband access as a driver for economic development |
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: kltv.com
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