FCC Says Over One Million Homes Have Gained High-Speed Internet Access Since May | Cord Cutters News
FCC Says Over One Million Homes Have Gained High-Speed Internet Access Since May Cord Cutters News
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The Digital Divide in the US is Narrowing, says FCC Chairwoman
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman, Jessica Rosenworcel, stated that while the digital divide still exists, it is gradually narrowing. The FCC recently released its third National Broadband Map, which provides information on the availability of internet service across the United States. The map revealed that approximately 7.2 million homes in the country still lack access to high-speed internet, a decrease from 8.3 million reported in the previous map released in May. Moreover, the number of broadband serviceable locations has increased by 800,000 since May, bringing the total to 115 million locations.
Progress in Closing the Broadband Gap
The updated National Broadband Map demonstrates some progress in closing the broadband gap, which refers to the unequal access to digital technology and the internet among different groups and locations. The release of this map is crucial as it helps the FCC and regulators identify areas with inadequate internet access and determine where additional funding is required to address the issue.
The FCC has prioritized improving the accuracy of the map, as critics argue that it relies on outdated or inaccurate information provided by internet service providers. The map serves as a key tool for resolving disagreements between government agencies, broadband providers, and the FCC regarding network build-outs and standards, which have posed challenges in bridging the digital divide.
Efforts to Increase Broadband Connectivity
Efforts to enhance broadband connectivity can also be observed through the introduction of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This legislation has allocated $65 billion to expand internet access in the United States and established the Affordable Connectivity Program, which assists qualifying households in reducing their internet access costs. Additionally, the law has allocated $42.45 billion for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program (BEAD), aimed at expanding high-speed connectivity in underserved or unserved areas.
Importance of Reliable High-Speed Internet
In an increasingly digital world, reliable high-speed internet is crucial for households, enabling them to work, study, and manage their finances effectively. The availability of more options, such as 5G home internet offerings from mobile carriers and internet providers, as well as services like SpaceX’s Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper, further contribute to expanding access to high-speed, low-latency internet.
Future Broadband Build-Outs
The FCC’s new map also indicates that more broadband build-outs are underway due to initiatives like the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, Connect America Fund, state-funded programs, and privately funded projects. The deployments funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will further accelerate these build-outs, according to the FCC.
Accessing the National Broadband Map
You can access the National Broadband Map on the FCC’s website. By entering your address, you can view data about fixed and mobile broadband availability in your area, including information about providers and average broadband speeds.
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 4: Quality Education
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being.
- SDG 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.
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of homes lacking access to high-speed internet
- Number of broadband serviceable locations
- Accuracy of the National Broadband Map
- Amount of funding allocated for expanding internet access
- Number of broadband build outs in progress
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being. | – Number of broadband serviceable locations – Accuracy of the National Broadband Map – Number of broadband build outs in progress |
| 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. | – Number of homes lacking access to high-speed internet |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status. | – Amount of funding allocated for expanding internet access |
The article addresses the issue of the digital divide and its impact on access to high-speed internet. This is connected to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) as it emphasizes the need for reliable infrastructure to support economic development and human well-being. SDG 4 (Quality Education) is also relevant as access to high-speed internet is crucial for online education. Additionally, SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) is addressed as the digital divide creates inequalities in access to digital technology and internet.
Based on the content of the article, specific targets that can be identified include SDG 9.1 (developing quality infrastructure), SDG 4.c (increasing the supply of qualified teachers), and SDG 10.2 (promoting social and economic inclusion).
The article mentions several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards these targets. These include the number of homes lacking access to high-speed internet, the number of broadband serviceable locations, the accuracy of the National Broadband Map, the amount of funding allocated for expanding internet access, and the number of broadband build outs in progress. These indicators provide measurable data to track improvements in infrastructure, access to internet, and efforts to reduce inequalities.
In summary, the article highlights the relevance of SDGs 9, 4, and 10 to the issue of the digital divide. It identifies specific targets and indicators that can be used to measure progress towards improving access to high-speed internet and reducing inequalities in digital technology and internet access.
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: cordcuttersnews.com
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