Washington to receive funding to expand internet access – KXRO News Radio
Washington to receive funding to expand internet access KXRO Newsradio
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Washington to Receive Funding to Expand Internet Access
Logo from Dept. of Commerce
The Washington Proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program
The Washington proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program was one of three approved Thursday by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
Approval and Funding
The Washington State Department of Commerce tells KXRO that this approval will enable the state to request access to over $1.2 billion allocated to begin implementation of its BEAD program. They say this is a major step toward closing the digital divide and meeting the goal of connecting everyone with affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service.
Statement from Governor Jay Inslee
“The BEAD Program has played a crucial role in bridging the digital divide and helping us meet our goal to bring Internet access to every person across Washington state,” said Governor Jay Inslee. “Digital connectivity allows communities to tap into job, health care and education opportunities. I am grateful to the NTIA for approving Washington’s initial proposal and I look forward to the Washington State Broadband Office’s continued success in submitting proposals ensuring more Washingtonians and tribal nations receive Internet access.”
Statement from Washington State Broadband Office Director Aaron Wheeler
“Washington is committed to investing in universal broadband access that is affordable, reliable, scalable, and sustainable,” said Washington State Broadband Office Director Aaron Wheeler. “Our goal is to support equitable economic development and connect every community throughout the state, with an end goal to provide full access to the digital economy and society.”
About the BEAD Program
The BEAD program is a $42.45 billion state grant program authorized by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The states, territories, and Washington D.C. were allocated funding to deploy or upgrade high-speed Internet networks. Once deployment goals are met, any remaining funding can be used on high-speed Internet adoption, training, and workforce development efforts, among other uses.
Approval of Other Entities
In addition, the District of Columbia and Delaware were also approved, enabling access to over $100 million and $107 million respectively.
Submission of Initial Proposals
BEAD-eligible entities—the 56 states, territories, and the District of Columbia—are required to submit for NTIA’s approval an Initial Proposal detailing how they plan to spend their BEAD allocation to deliver high-speed Internet access to all unserved and underserved locations within their borders. All states submitted their Initial Proposals by December 27, 2023. NTIA provides weekly updates on the status of all 56 states and territories’ Initial Proposal here.
Continued Approval Process
NTIA will continue to announce approval of Initial Proposals on a rolling basis.
Learn More
Learn more about the Biden-Harris Administration’s high-speed Internet service programs, please visit InternetforAll.gov. To learn more about Washington State’s Internet for All initiatives, click here.
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 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The article discusses the Washington State Department of Commerce’s proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. This program aims to close the digital divide and connect everyone with affordable, reliable, high-speed internet service. By addressing the digital divide and promoting internet access, the article aligns with SDG 9, which focuses on building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation. Additionally, by emphasizing the importance of internet access for job opportunities, healthcare, and education, the article also relates to SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
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.
- 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.
- Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services.
- Target 10.c: By 2030, reduce to less than 3% the transaction costs of migrant remittances and eliminate remittance corridors with costs higher than 5%.
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:
– Target 9.c, which focuses on increasing access to information and communications technology and striving for universal and affordable internet access.
– Target 4.c, which aims to increase the supply of qualified teachers, including through international cooperation for teacher training.
– Target 8.3, which promotes policies that support job creation, entrepreneurship, and innovation, particularly for micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises.
– Target 10.c, which aims to reduce transaction costs of migrant remittances.
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 in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include:
– Access to high-speed internet networks: The article mentions that the BEAD program aims to deploy or upgrade high-speed internet networks, indicating that the availability and accessibility of high-speed internet can be measured.
– Internet adoption, training, and workforce development efforts: The article states that any remaining funding can be used for these purposes once deployment goals are met. The progress in terms of internet adoption, training programs, and workforce development can be measured.
– Transaction costs of migrant remittances: While not explicitly mentioned in the article, Target 10.c focuses on reducing transaction costs of migrant remittances. The progress towards this target can be measured by analyzing the transaction costs associated with remittances.
4. 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. | – Access to high-speed internet networks |
| 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. | – Progress in teacher training programs |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services. | – Progress in job creation, entrepreneurship, and innovation |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.c: By 2030, reduce to less than 3% the transaction costs of migrant remittances and eliminate remittance corridors with costs higher than 5%. | – Transaction costs of migrant remittances |
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: kxro.com
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