Survey Illustrates Internet Access Disparities for Nebraskans

University of Nebraska–Lincoln Survey Reveals Disparities in Internet Access Between Urban and Rural Nebraskans

A recent survey conducted by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln has shown that a majority of Nebraskans have mostly or very dependable internet access. However, there are significant disparities in access between urban and rural residents.

Internet Access in Nebraska

The survey, known as the Nebraska Snapshot, is released every other month and provides data from the most recent Nebraska Annual Social Indicators Survey. According to the survey, 45% of respondents statewide reported having very dependable internet access, while 41% reported mostly dependable access. Only 14% stated that their internet access was somewhat dependable or not dependable at all.

Differences in Access by Place of Residence

When considering the respondents’ place of residence, the survey found that only 26% of Nebraskans living on a farm or in open country reported having very dependable internet access. Among those living on a farm, 46% reported mostly dependable access, while 28% reported having somewhat to not dependable access. In contrast, 52% of those in open country reported mostly dependable access, compared to 22% reporting somewhat to not dependable access. On the other hand, 50% of those living in a town or city reported having very dependable internet access, with 39% reporting mostly dependable access and only 11% reporting somewhat to not dependable access.

Internet Speed Variations

The survey also revealed variations in internet speed based on place of residence. Statewide, 33% of respondents reported having very fast internet, while 56% reported somewhat fast internet. In towns and cities, 37% stated that they had very fast internet, compared to only 16% of those living on a farm and 17% of those in open country. Additionally, 37% of those living on farms reported having somewhat or very slow internet, compared to 20% in open country and only 8% in towns and cities. The majority of respondents in towns and cities, on farms, and in open country reported having somewhat fast internet, with percentages of 55%, 48%, and 64%, respectively.

Other Factors Affecting Internet Access

The survey also identified noteworthy differences in internet access based on age groups, income levels, and education level.

Efforts to Improve Internet Access in Nebraska

Internet access, particularly broadband access, has been a priority in Nebraska for several years. The state has implemented various initiatives to connect more residents. One such effort is the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Program, which was established by the Legislature in 2021. This program allocated $20 million in grants to telecommunications companies for expanding broadband service to unserved or underserved areas of the state. Additionally, the state has received federal funding through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and the bipartisan infrastructure act passed in 2023 to further increase broadband access. The Nebraska Broadband Office estimated that there is $1.9 billion in funding available for expanding access across the state.

Conclusion

The Nebraska Annual Social Indicators Survey, including the Nebraska Snapshot series, provides valuable data for researchers, state entities, and policymakers. The survey highlights the disparities in internet access between urban and rural Nebraskans, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to bridge the digital divide and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to universal access to information and communication technologies.

For more information, visit the Nebraska Snapshot Series website.

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 4: Quality Education
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being.
• SDG 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.
• SDG 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?

• Indicator for SDG 9.1: Percentage of population with access to reliable internet.
• Indicator for SDG 4.4: Percentage of population with relevant digital skills.
• Indicator for SDG 10.2: Disparities in internet access and speed based on place of residence, age groups, income levels, and education level.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Note: The article discusses the disparities in internet access and speed between urban and rural residents in Nebraska. It also mentions the efforts to improve broadband access in the state through funding programs. These issues are connected to SDG 9, which focuses on industry, innovation, and infrastructure. Additionally, the article highlights the importance of relevant digital skills for employment and entrepreneurship, which relates to SDG 4 on quality education. Lastly, the disparities in internet access based on place of residence and other factors align with SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequalities.

Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.

Fuente: ruralradio.com

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