You’re not online: Internet access is still a problem for many in the Upper Entiat Valley
You're not online: Internet access is still a problem for many in the ... wenatcheeworld.com
sdgtalks
Rural Areas in Chelan County Still Struggling with Internet Access
ENTIAT — As more people work from home these days, internet access is a must. But in some rural areas of Chelan County, that important connection is still problematic.
Impact on Businesses
For Tracy R. Dunning, who does scoping (editing legal transcripts and depositions online), a recent loss of internet services for an entire week was hard on her business.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The lack of reliable internet access in rural areas of Chelan County is hindering progress towards several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals include:
- Goal 4: Quality Education
- Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Access to high-speed internet is crucial for providing quality education to students in rural areas. It also enables individuals like Tracy R. Dunning to work from home and contribute to the local economy. Furthermore, reliable internet access is essential for promoting innovation and building sustainable communities.
Efforts to Improve Internet Access
The Chelan County Public Utility District (PUD) is considering implementing measures to improve internet access in rural areas. This includes offering heftier discounts for certain wholesale fiber service rates.
- Discounted rates for internet service providers
- Investment in infrastructure development
- Collaboration with local communities and businesses
These efforts align with the SDGs mentioned above and aim to bridge the digital divide in Chelan County.
Conclusion
Access to reliable internet is crucial for individuals, businesses, and communities to thrive in today’s digital age. By addressing the challenges faced by rural areas in Chelan County, we can make significant progress towards achieving the SDGs and creating a more inclusive and sustainable society.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article discusses the issue of inadequate internet access in rural areas, which is directly connected to SDG 9, as it focuses on improving infrastructure and promoting innovation. Additionally, the article mentions the impact of internet access on businesses, which relates to SDG 11, as it aims to create sustainable cities and communities through improved connectivity.
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 (ICT) and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the internet in least developed countries by 2020.
- Target 11.a: Support positive economic, social, and environmental links between urban, peri-urban, and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning.
The article highlights the lack of internet access in rural areas, indicating a need to increase access to ICT and provide universal and affordable internet access, aligning with Target 9.c. Additionally, it emphasizes the impact of internet access on businesses in rural areas, suggesting the importance of strengthening development planning to support economic and social links between urban and rural areas, aligning with Target 11.a.
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 include:
- Internet service availability and reliability in rural areas
- Percentage of rural population with access to affordable internet services
- Number of businesses impacted by internet service disruptions
The article mentions the loss of internet services for a week, indicating the reliability and availability of internet services in rural areas. It also highlights the impact on businesses, suggesting the need to measure the number of businesses affected by internet service disruptions. Additionally, the indicator of the percentage of rural population with access to affordable internet services can be used to track progress towards Target 9.c.
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 (ICT) and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the internet in least developed countries by 2020. |
|
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.a: Support positive economic, social, and environmental links between urban, peri-urban, and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning. |
|
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: wenatcheeworld.com
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
