‘Game-changer’; Shapiro says broadband expansion effort will include stipends to help cover internet costs for seniors, low income

Broadband Expansion Plan to Improve Internet Access for Seniors and Low-Income Families

Introduction

When the Northern Cambria Senior Center opens each day, director Donna Shingle said it’s common to see retirees bringing laptops with them for online appointments or to chat online with grandchildren. However, many of them do not have reliable internet speeds at home or find the monthly bill too expensive.

Access to the internet in rural communities, especially for seniors, is extremely important. Many seniors live alone or are somewhat homebound, making them miles away from their children and grandchildren.

The Broadband Expansion Plan

Gov. Josh Shapiro announced a nearly $1.2 billion broadband expansion plan in Pennsylvania. This statewide effort aims to connect rural areas with faster, more reliable, and affordable broadband. The plan not only targets pastoral northern Cambria County but also focuses on senior citizens and low-income families throughout the state.

Shapiro emphasized that broadband is not a luxury but a necessity, particularly for seniors. In Cambria County alone, over 5,900 homes, social clubs, or businesses lack adequate high-speed connections. Retirement age Pennsylvanians are 14% more likely to have no access to the internet compared to other age groups.

Cost is a significant factor for many seniors on fixed incomes. To address this, Pennsylvania’s Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment and Digital Equity plan will provide $30 monthly subsidies for low-to-moderate income residents, Medicaid and SNAP recipients, and others who qualify. The subsidies will help cover their monthly internet bills.

Expanding Access to Broadband

The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority is working on a five-year action plan to expand access to broadband in areas without coverage or with inadequate internet speeds. The plan will be submitted to federal leaders next year and will outline how the state intends to achieve this goal.

The plan involves developing a network of fiber optic cables, which provide high-speed connections. Additionally, cable modem and licensed fixed wireless networks will be expanded to extend connections to homes in various areas. The aim is to meet the federal government’s threshold of 100 megabytes download and 20 megabytes upload speeds for adequate broadband.

If approved, the state will begin deploying this technology through local partnerships and internet service providers over the next four to five years. This expansion will enable individuals to work remotely, support business growth, and allow students to submit assignments from home.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The broadband expansion plan aligns with SDG 9 by promoting the development of reliable and affordable internet infrastructure in rural areas.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The plan aims to reduce inequalities by providing subsidies to low-income residents, ensuring they have access to the internet.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education – By improving internet access, students will be able to submit assignments from home, contributing to quality education.

Conclusion

The broadband expansion plan in Pennsylvania is a significant step towards improving internet access for seniors and low-income families. It recognizes the importance of reliable and affordable internet in rural communities and aims to bridge the digital divide. Through subsidies and infrastructure development, the plan aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, promoting industry, reducing inequalities, and enhancing education.

About the Author

David Hurst is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. Follow him on Twitter @TDDavidHurst and Instagram @TDDavidHurst.

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 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The article discusses the issue of inadequate internet access in rural communities, particularly affecting seniors and low-income families. This connects to SDG 9, which aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. It also relates to SDG 10, which focuses on reducing inequalities within and among countries. Additionally, the article touches on the importance of internet access for communities, aligning with SDG 11’s goal of creating sustainable cities and communities. Lastly, the mention of partnerships in the broadband expansion plan connects to SDG 17, which emphasizes the importance of partnerships for achieving sustainable development.

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 10.C: By 2030, reduce inequality within and among countries by ensuring equal opportunity and reducing inequalities of outcome.
• Target 11.A: Support positive economic, social, and environmental links between urban, peri-urban, and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning.
• Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources.

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are related to increasing access to internet and reducing inequalities in internet access. These targets align with SDG 9, SDG 10, SDG 11, and SDG 17.

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 the population covered by a mobile network, by technology.
• Indicator 10.C.1: Growth rates of household expenditure or income per capita among the bottom 40% of the population and the total population.
• Indicator 11.A.1: Proportion of population living in cities that implement urban and regional development plans integrating population projections and resource needs, by size of city.
• Indicator 17.16.1: Number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks that support the achievement of the sustainable development goals.

The article does not explicitly mention indicators, but based on the identified targets, these indicators can be used to measure progress towards achieving universal and affordable internet access, reducing inequalities, and promoting sustainable development partnerships.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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: sharonherald.com

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