Spectrum Awarded Grant to Expand High-Speed Internet Access in Calhoun County – Calhoun Journal

Calhoun County, AL – Spectrum Receives Grant to Expand Broadband Access

Spectrum, a leading provider of broadband services, has announced today the receipt of a significant grant from the Alabama Capital Projects Fund, totaling over $340,000. This grant aims to extend gigabit high-speed internet access to more than 450 homes and small businesses in Calhoun County. With Spectrum’s additional investment of nearly $2.3 million, the total project value surpasses $2.6 million, signifying a substantial commitment to enhancing connectivity in the region.

Initiative to Bridge the Gap in High-Speed Internet Access

This grant is part of a broader initiative by Spectrum, which has secured a total of 23 grants to expand fiber-optic broadband infrastructure across Alabama. These efforts are aimed at bridging the gap in high-speed internet access for approximately 21,000 additional homes and small businesses throughout the state.

Support from State Senator Keith Kelley

State Senator Keith Kelley expressed his support for the partnership between the state and Spectrum, emphasizing the positive impact it will have on the community. “I’ve been a lifelong advocate for my community and partnerships that make it stronger,” Senator Kelley remarked. “The decision to partner with Spectrum to expand broadband internet access in Calhoun County will deliver the best connectivity offerings to the county’s families and small businesses.”

Rural Construction Initiative and Federal Funding

Alabama’s Capital Projects Fund grants represent a crucial step in Spectrum’s rural construction initiative, which includes a substantial investment of approximately $5 billion in unserved rural communities. This initiative has been bolstered by Spectrum’s success in securing over $1 billion in the Federal Communications Commission’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) auction, aiming to provide broadband access to 1.3 million customer locations across 24 states.

Commendation for Public-Private Partnerships

Taylor Vice, Sr. Director of Government Affairs at Charter, Spectrum’s parent company, commended the leadership of Governor Ivey, her administration, and the Alabama Legislature for prioritizing public-private partnerships in expanding broadband access. “We applaud Alabama officials in helping us make a meaningful difference for residents,” Vice stated.

Commitment to Connectivity and Economic Development

Currently serving 654,000 customers in Alabama and employing over 1,200 residents in the state, Spectrum remains committed to enhancing connectivity and fostering economic development through its broadband infrastructure initiatives.

Bridging the Digital Divide

The grant awarded to Spectrum represents a significant step towards achieving broader access to high-speed internet in Calhoun County, marking a positive stride towards bridging the digital divide and empowering communities with enhanced connectivity opportunities.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. 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.

2. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South, and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology, and innovation and enhance knowledge sharing on mutually agreed terms, including through improved coordination among existing mechanisms, particularly at the United Nations level, and through a global technology facilitation mechanism.
   • Indicator 17.6.1: Number of science and/or technology cooperation agreements and programmes between countries, by type of cooperation.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

The article discusses Spectrum’s receipt of a grant to extend high-speed internet access in Calhoun County, Alabama. Based on the content of the article, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

This SDG is addressed as the article focuses on expanding broadband infrastructure to enhance connectivity in Calhoun County.

Targets:

• 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.

Indicators:

• Indicator 9.c.1: Proportion of population covered by a mobile network, by technology.

2. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

This SDG is connected to the article as it mentions the partnership between Spectrum and the state of Alabama to expand broadband access.

Targets:

• Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South, and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology, and innovation and enhance knowledge sharing on mutually agreed terms, including through improved coordination among existing mechanisms, particularly at the United Nations level, and through a global technology facilitation mechanism.

Indicators:

• Indicator 17.6.1: Number of science and/or technology cooperation agreements and programmes between countries, by type of cooperation.

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: calhounjournal.com

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