Louisiana Broadband Expansion Is Slow, Costly for Residents

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

The state of Louisiana ranks 46th in the nation when it comes to Internet access, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure and connectivity. According to a report from Broadbandnow, 7 in 10 residents in Louisiana do not have access to affordable Internet, defined as below $60 per month. This lack of connectivity hinders progress towards achieving SDG 9, which aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.

Internet Access Challenges in Louisiana

Rural towns and villages in South Louisiana, such as Krotz Springs, have long struggled with outdated and overpriced Internet services. The lack of affordable connectivity has significant consequences for residents, including limited educational and economic opportunities. For example, Sandra Castille, a teacher at Port Barre High School, had to give up her master’s degree program due to the high cost of satellite Internet. This highlights the urgent need for broadband expansion in rural areas to bridge the digital divide and ensure equal access to educational and economic resources.

Government Initiatives for Broadband Expansion

To address the issue of limited Internet access, the federal government has awarded Louisiana $1.36 billion over the next five years for high-speed Internet expansion. Additionally, the state has received an additional $250 million through Louisiana’s GUMBO grant. However, the implementation of these programs has faced delays and challenges. Companies have appealed for a share of the funding, leading to project delays and frustration among rural residents.

GUMBO 2.0: Addressing Challenges

In response to the challenges faced by the GUMBO program, Louisiana introduced GUMBO 2.0. This updated version aims to streamline the grant process and reduce company challenges. The state now has a 90-day challenge process before the grant round, with third-party review of the challenges. These measures are intended to expedite the expansion of high-speed Internet and ensure that underserved communities receive the necessary connectivity.

Impact on Education and Small Businesses

The lack of reliable Internet access has had a significant impact on education, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rural schools, like Port Barre High, struggled to connect students to virtual learning platforms, leading to educational inequities. Students without access to the Internet at home were more likely to fall behind. This highlights the importance of broadband expansion in ensuring equal educational opportunities for all students.

Furthermore, limited Internet access hinders small business growth in rural communities. Without high-speed Internet, businesses face challenges in processing online transactions and accessing essential resources. This lack of connectivity can deter potential investors and hinder economic development in these areas.

The Path to Bridging the Digital Divide

Despite the challenges, there is hope for bridging the digital divide in Louisiana. The expansion of high-speed Internet will not only improve connectivity but also enhance competition among service providers. Increased competition can lead to lower prices and better overall service for residents and businesses. Additionally, improved Internet infrastructure can attract new businesses and investments, boosting economic growth in rural areas.

Conclusion

Expanding broadband access in Louisiana is crucial for achieving SDG 9 and promoting inclusive and sustainable development. The state’s efforts, such as the GUMBO program, aim to address the challenges faced by rural communities and ensure affordable and reliable Internet connectivity for all residents. By bridging the digital divide, Louisiana can unlock the full potential of its residents and foster economic growth and innovation.

1. The SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article are:

– SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

– SDG 4: Quality Education

– SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

2. The specific targets under these SDGs based on the article’s content 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 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services.

3. The indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets are:

– Access to affordable connectivity below $60 per month.

– Percentage of residents with access to fiber Internet.

– Percentage of residents able to achieve at least 25Mbps download speed.

– Number of grants awarded for Internet expansion programs.

– Number of appeals by companies for funding.

– Number of challenges reviewed by a third party.

– Number of projects completed within a specific timeframe.

4. Table:

| 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. | – Access to affordable connectivity below $60 per month.
– Percentage of residents with access to fiber Internet.
– Percentage of residents able to achieve at least 25Mbps download speed.
– Number of grants awarded for Internet expansion programs.
– Number of appeals by companies for funding.
– Number of challenges reviewed by a third party.
– Number of projects completed within a specific timeframe. |

| 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 qualified teachers trained through international cooperation.
– Availability of virtual teaching resources for at-risk students.
– Percentage of students with access to wireless hotspots for remote learning. |

| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services. | – Impact of high-speed Internet on small business growth and competition.
– Affordability of high-speed Internet for homeowners and businesses.
– Availability of customer service and technical support for rural communities. |

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: governing.com

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