Thousands of Wisconsinites to gain high-speed internet access
Thousands of Wisconsinites to gain high-speed internet access WKOW
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Stevens Point, Wisconsin to Receive Affordable High-Speed Internet
Nearly 10,000 people in southwest Wisconsin are set to benefit from affordable, high-speed internet access following a $28 million investment. The Reedsburg Utility Commission will utilize the ReConnect Loan funds provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Julie Lassa to establish a fiber-to-the-premises network.
Improving Connectivity in Rural Areas
The installation of this network will have a significant impact on the region, benefiting 9,661 individuals, 319 businesses, 689 farms, and eight educational facilities located in Richland, Dane, Iowa, Juneau, and Sauk counties. By bridging the digital divide, reliable high-speed internet will connect business owners to customers and new markets, expand educational opportunities for students, and enable remote access to medical care.
ReConnect Program and Sustainable Development Goals
The ReConnect Program funding is designed to support rural areas that lack access to internet speeds of at least 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, which aims to enhance sustainable infrastructure development and promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization.
- Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- Goal 4: Quality Education
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
The Reconnect Loan program is made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which emphasizes the importance of investing in infrastructure to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for all Americans.
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: Number of individuals using the Internet per 100 inhabitants.
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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.
- Indicator: Proportion of teachers in primary education who have received at least the minimum organized teacher training (e.g., pedagogical training) pre-service or in-service required for teaching at the relevant level in a given country.
-
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.d: Strengthen the capacity of all countries, in particular developing countries, for early warning, risk reduction, and management of national and global health risks.
- Indicator: Proportion of population with access to affordable essential medicines and vaccines on a sustainable basis.
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. | Number of individuals using the Internet per 100 inhabitants. |
| 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. | Proportion of teachers in primary education who have received at least the minimum organized teacher training (e.g., pedagogical training) pre-service or in-service required for teaching at the relevant level in a given country. |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.d: Strengthen the capacity of all countries, in particular developing countries, for early warning, risk reduction, and management of national and global health risks. | Proportion of population with access to affordable essential medicines and vaccines on a sustainable basis. |
Analysis
The article highlights the investment of $28 million to provide affordable, high-speed internet to nearly 10,000 people in southwest Wisconsin. This investment aligns with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, which aims to increase access to information and communications technology. Specifically, Target 9.c focuses on providing universal and affordable access to the Internet. The article mentions that the network will benefit individuals, businesses, farms, and educational facilities in multiple counties, indicating progress towards this target.
Additionally, the article mentions that the reliable high-speed internet will expand educational opportunities for students. This connects to SDG 4: Quality Education, which aims to increase the supply of qualified teachers and improve access to education. Target 4.c specifically focuses on teacher training in developing countries. While the article does not directly mention teacher training, it implies that improved internet access can enhance educational opportunities, contributing to progress towards this target.
The article also briefly mentions that high-speed internet enables people to access medical care without leaving their homes. This relates to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, which aims to strengthen healthcare systems and improve access to essential medicines. Target 3.d focuses on strengthening the capacity for risk reduction and management of health risks. While the article does not provide specific indicators related to healthcare access, it highlights the potential benefits of high-speed internet in accessing medical care.
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: wkow.com
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