Phoenix pushing for more high-speed internet access within city limits
Phoenix pushing for more high-speed internet access within city limits ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix
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City of Phoenix Explores Expansion of Fiber-Optic Network Infrastructure
The City of Phoenix is actively seeking to enhance its network infrastructure for fiber-optic high-speed internet throughout the Valley. A subcommittee is expected to present new ideas on Thursday.
The Digital Divide and Sustainable Development Goals
Experts have identified the digital divide as a significant issue, particularly in urban areas of Phoenix where individuals with lower incomes still lack connectivity. This disparity aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, which aims to promote sustainable and resilient infrastructure development to bridge such gaps.
“Despite the fact that it is urban, it is the place in Maricopa County where the largest number of people still lack connectivity,” said Erin Carr-Jordan, the CEO of Digital Equity Institute in Arizona.
According to the Federal Communications Commission, at least 18 million people in America have limited or no access to high-speed broadband infrastructure, including urban, rural, and tribal communities. This digital divide has become even more pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We were all scrambling, creating hotspots for kids and finding laptops to refurbish and so on to address this critical need,” said Steven Zylstra, the president and CEO at Arizona Technology Council.
Researchers at Common Sense Media found that over 330,000 Arizona students do not have adequate high-speed internet, and more than 220,000 lack devices like phones or laptops. This lack of access creates a real disadvantage for these individuals in accessing the incredible resources available on the internet or through artificial intelligence (AI).
Phoenix’s Plan for Expansion
If approved, Phoenix’s plan would involve adding a new section to the city code to establish rules for licensing and transactions between the city and companies responsible for building and operating fiber-optic networks. These fiber-to-the-home services would enable residential customers to quickly access the internet.
Addressing Socio-Economic Disparities
Experts emphasize that individuals in the lowest socio-economic spectrums are the most vulnerable without access to broadband. This issue intersects with several SDGs, including Goal 1: No Poverty, Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, Goal 4: Quality Education, and Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.
“People experiencing systemic and generational poverty, people who have a disability, people who are veterans, people who are older adults,” said Carr-Jordan.
A subcommittee is scheduled to discuss this issue on Thursday, with city council members set to vote on it at a later date.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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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.
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SDG 4: Quality Education
- Target 4.b: By 2020, substantially expand globally the number of scholarships available to developing countries, in particular, least developed countries, small island developing States, and African countries, for enrolment in higher education, including vocational training and information and communications technology, technical, engineering, and scientific programs, in developed countries and other developing countries.
- Indicator 4.b.1: Volume of official development assistance flows for scholarships by sector and type of study.
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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.
- Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and disability.
| 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.b: By 2020, substantially expand globally the number of scholarships available to developing countries, in particular, least developed countries, small island developing States, and African countries, for enrolment in higher education, including vocational training and information and communications technology, technical, engineering, and scientific programs, in developed countries and other developing countries. | Indicator 4.b.1: Volume of official development assistance flows for scholarships by sector and type of study. |
| 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. | Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and disability. |
Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The SDGs that are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article are:
- 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?
The specific targets under those SDGs that can be identified 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.b: By 2020, substantially expand globally the number of scholarships available to developing countries, in particular, least developed countries, small island developing States, and African countries, for enrolment in higher education, including vocational training and information and communications technology, technical, engineering, and scientific programs, in developed countries and other developing countries.
- 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.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are 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 4.b.1: Volume of official development assistance flows for scholarships by sector and type of study.
- Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and disability.
Source: abc15.com
