Thousands of Utahns could potentially lose access to internet as funds for program set to expire
Thousands of Utahns could potentially lose access to internet as funds for program set to expire KSLTV
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Affordable Connectivity Program
Introduction
The Affordable Connectivity Program, which received $14.2 billion in funding from the $1 trillion infrastructure package passed by Congress in 2021, has played a crucial role in connecting millions of Americans to high-speed internet. However, the program is now at risk of losing funding after April unless it receives additional support from Congress, as stated by the White House.
The Program’s Objectives
The Affordable Connectivity Program aims to provide eligible households with monthly discounts of up to $30 per month, with an increased discount of up to $75 per month for households on qualifying tribal lands. Additionally, it offers a one-time $100 discount towards the purchase of a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet.
The Digital Divide in America
According to a report from the Federal Communications Commission, approximately 19 million Americans, which accounts for 6% of the population, lack access to fixed broadband service at threshold speeds. In rural areas, this number increases to 14.5 million people, representing nearly one-fourth of the population. The situation is even worse in tribal areas, where almost a third of the population lacks access to high-speed internet.
The Situation in Utah
Utah is no exception to the digital divide. Currently, 75,088 households in Utah are benefiting from the Affordable Connectivity Program, and the state has received over $40 million in funding from the program. As a result, Utahns are saving approximately $2.2 million every month on their internet bills.
National Impact
Nationwide, over 23 million Americans have utilized the Affordable Connectivity Program to access the internet and reduce their monthly internet bills.
Call for Action
Since October, President Joe Biden has been urging Congress to pass legislation that would extend the benefits of the Affordable Connectivity Program through 2024. Democratic members of Congress have joined him in this effort, and the president has included funding for the program in his 2025 budget request. The Biden-Harris administration is calling on congressional Republicans to support the extension of funding for the program to ensure that millions of Americans do not lose access to affordable, high-speed internet next month. Without action, families may face challenges in accessing education, healthcare, job opportunities, and more.
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 | – Number of households connected to high-speed internet through the Affordable Connectivity Program – Number of households on qualifying tribal lands receiving the monthly discount – Number of households benefiting from the one-time discount for purchasing a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet |
| 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 households gaining access to education through the Affordable Connectivity Program |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.b: Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for the communicable and non-communicable diseases that primarily affect developing countries, provide access to affordable essential medicines and vaccines, in accordance with the Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health, which affirms the right of developing countries to use to the full the provisions in the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights regarding flexibilities to protect public health, and, in particular, provide access to medicines for all | – Number of households gaining access to healthcare services through the Affordable Connectivity Program |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
The issue of lack of access to high-speed internet in the United States, particularly in rural and tribal areas, is connected to SDG 9. This goal aims to increase access to information and communications technology, including universal and affordable access to the internet.
SDG 4: Quality Education
The article mentions that without access to affordable, high-speed internet, families may lose access to education. Therefore, SDG 4, which focuses on quality education, is also relevant to the issues discussed.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
While not explicitly mentioned in the article, lack of access to high-speed internet can impact access to healthcare services, telemedicine, and health information. Therefore, SDG 3, which focuses on good health and well-being, is indirectly connected to the issues highlighted.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
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
This target is relevant to the issue of lack of access to high-speed internet in rural and tribal areas. The Affordable Connectivity Program aims to provide affordable access to the internet for eligible households.
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
While not directly mentioned in the article, lack of access to high-speed internet can impact access to online education and the availability of qualified teachers. Therefore, this target is indirectly connected to the issues discussed.
Target 3.b: Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for the communicable and non-communicable diseases that primarily affect developing countries, provide access to affordable essential medicines and vaccines
While not directly mentioned in the article, lack of access to high-speed internet can impact access to healthcare services and health information, including access to affordable essential medicines and vaccines. Therefore, this target is indirectly connected to the issues highlighted.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The following indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
– Number of households connected to high-speed internet through the Affordable Connectivity Program
– Number of households on qualifying tribal lands receiving the monthly discount
– Number of households benefiting from the one-time discount for purchasing a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet
– Number of households gaining access to education through the Affordable Connectivity Program
– Number of households gaining access to healthcare services through the Affordable Connectivity Program
These indicators can help track the impact of the Affordable Connectivity Program in increasing access to high-speed internet, education, and healthcare services.
4. 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 | – Number of households connected to high-speed internet through the Affordable Connectivity Program – Number of households on qualifying tribal lands receiving the monthly discount – Number of households benefiting from the one-time discount for purchasing a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet |
| 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 households gaining access to education through the Affordable Connectivity Program |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.b: Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for the communicable and non-communicable diseases that primarily affect developing countries, provide access to affordable essential medicines and vaccines | – Number of households gaining access to healthcare services through the Affordable Connectivity Program |
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: ksltv.com
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