Internet access is top priority for upcoming Topeka meeting
Internet access is top priority for upcoming Topeka meeting KSNT News
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Topeka Teams Up with FCC to Discuss Broadband Access
TOPEKA (KSNT) – City officials say Topeka is teaming up with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to talk broadband access later this week.
Introduction
City of Topeka spokeswoman Gretchen Spiker said in a press release that a joint listening session for stakeholder agencies will be held, courtesy of Topeka and the FCC, to discuss the topic of broadband access on Thursday. This is part of a push by the FCC to gain more information from different communities across the U.S. as to what challenges they are facing when trying to access broadband services.
Broadband Access as Essential Service
Broadband access is under discussion across the U.S., from the highest levels of our government to the Capital City of Kansas. Debate is focused on whether or not broadband should be seen as essential, such as access to water or electricity.
Efforts to Expand High-Speed Internet Access in Kansas
In August, a five year action plan was submitted to expand high-speed internet access in Kansas. This came after previous efforts to expand high-speed internet access across the Sunflower State.
Digital Inclusion Week and Meeting Details
Spiker said the upcoming broadband meeting in Topeka is part of Digital Inclusion Week. Topeka Mayor Mike Padilla‘s office will issue a statement in recognition of the occasion which will be read by Deputy Mayor Neil Dobler.
Spiker said representatives from around 40 federal, state and local government agencies, along with nonprofits, will be in attendance for the meeting. These include members of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) and others.
Public Participation
Although the upcoming meeting is primarily meant for stakeholders, Spiker said all members of the public are welcome to attend. Those wanting to participate in person need to RSVP with Monique Glaudé by sending an email to mglaude@topeka.org by noon on Wednesday, Oct. 4. The meeting will be held on Oct. 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sunflower Foundation at 5820 SW Sixth Avenue.
Conclusion
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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 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article discusses the topic of broadband access and its importance, which is related to SDG 9 as it focuses on improving infrastructure and promoting sustainable industrialization. Additionally, the article mentions the city of Topeka and its efforts to address broadband access, which aligns with SDG 11’s goal of creating sustainable cities and communities.
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 and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020.
- Target 11.a: Support positive economic, social, and environmental links between urban, peri-urban, and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning.
The article mentions the efforts made by the city of Topeka and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to address broadband access. These efforts align with Target 9.c, which aims to increase access to information and communications technology, including the Internet. The article also highlights the importance of broadband access in both urban and rural areas, which relates to Target 11.a.
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 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.
The article does not explicitly mention any indicators, but based on the identified targets, the following indicators can be used to measure progress:
– Indicator 9.c.1 can be used to measure the proportion of the population covered by a mobile network, which is relevant to the goal of providing universal and affordable access to the Internet.
– Indicator 11.a.1 can be used to measure the proportion of the population living in cities that implement urban and regional development plans, which is relevant to the goal of strengthening national and regional development planning.
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 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 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.a: Support positive economic, social, and environmental links between urban, peri-urban, and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning. | 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. |
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: ksnt.com
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