New project plans to expand UP internet access
New project plans to expand UP internet access WLUC
sdgtalks
Expanding Internet Access in Rural Areas: Project MOON-Light
MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) – Michigan State University (MSU) and the non-profit organization Merit have collaborated on a project called Project MOON-Light, which aims to expand broadband internet access to underserved communities in rural areas.
Addressing the Digital Gap in Michigan
The primary objective of Project MOON-Light is to bridge the digital divide by providing reliable internet connectivity to areas that have been historically underserved. Highline, an internet service provider operating in the Upper Peninsula (U.P.), is actively involved in this initiative.
Bruce Moore, the Midwest President of Highline, emphasized the importance of enhancing connectivity in the U.P.
Connecting Communities
Moore stated, “We need connectivity both within the Upper Peninsula, and then we need connectivity out of the Upper Peninsula to places like Chicago where we buy our internet connection to serve our customers.”
Recognizing the significance of internet access, the Central Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Regional Commission (CUPPAD) is also committed to expanding connectivity in the region.
Equal Internet Experience for All
Ryan Soucy, Senior Planner at CUPPAD, emphasized the goal of providing an equal internet experience for residents in both urbanized and rural communities.
Soucy stated, “So, whether you live in an urbanized community like Marquette or a rural one like Big Bay, you should have access to quality internet connection that enables you to engage in the increasingly digital world.”
Promoting Digital Skills and Cybersecurity
In addition to expanding infrastructure and connectivity, Highline Consultant Tanya Sullivan highlighted the importance of educating consumers on cybersecurity.
Sullivan explained, “We aim to teach consumers, some of whom may be new to the internet, about safe passwords, recognizing phishing attempts, and other essential digital skills.”
Future Plans and SDGs
Highline’s long-term goal is to provide internet coverage to the majority of new households in the U.P. by 2030. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 4: Quality Education.
Copyright 2024 WLUC. All rights reserved.
SDGs, Targets, and 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 4: Quality Education
- Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship
- Indicator 4.4.1: Proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills, by type of skill
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 4: Quality Education | Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship | Indicator 4.4.1: Proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills, by type of skill |
Analysis
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure and SDG 4: Quality Education.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
The goal of Project MOON-Light is to expand broadband internet access to underserved communities, which aligns with SDG 9’s target of significantly increasing access to information and communications technology. The article mentions the goal of increasing connectivity within the Upper Peninsula and to other places like Chicago, emphasizing the importance of universal and affordable access to the Internet.
The article does not explicitly mention the indicator for SDG 9, but it implies the need to measure the proportion of population covered by a mobile network, as this would reflect the progress in expanding internet access.
SDG 4: Quality Education
The article mentions the goal of teaching cyber security and digital skills to consumers in rural areas. This aligns with SDG 4’s target of increasing the number of youth and adults with relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment and entrepreneurship. The article emphasizes the importance of providing quality internet connection to enable engagement in the increasingly digital world.
The article does not explicitly mention the indicator for SDG 4, but it implies the need to measure the proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills, specifically in the area of cyber security and recognizing phishing attempts.
Source: uppermichiganssource.com
