Enhancing Broadband Connectivity for the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska
Introduction
Governor Laura Kelly has announced that the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska has been awarded a $498,000 broadband grant. This grant aims to enhance public Wi-Fi services at community hubs, replace outdated equipment, and establish a technology learning center. The project’s goal is to promote digital inclusion through educational and workforce opportunities, public health, and economic development.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Funding and Initiatives
- The grant is part of the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP), which is funded through the federal Internet for All initiative and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
- The Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska is one of eight tribes to receive funding from the available $3.9 million.
- TBCP aims to connect underserved Tribal communities with affordable, high-speed internet service to empower them in various aspects of life.
Importance of Broadband Access for Tribal Communities
Access to broadband has historically been a challenge on Tribal lands, limiting the ability of residents to access crucial resources such as education, workforce opportunities, business software, virtual learning, and healthcare. The federal investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help close the digital divide for Tribal communities, ensuring equal access to high-speed internet.
Record Investments in High-Speed Internet Deployment
The TBCP has awarded over $1.78 billion to 191 Tribal entities across the country, making significant investments in high-speed internet deployment. This program recognizes the federal Indian trust responsibility and fiduciary obligation to Tribal governments by ensuring equitable distribution of grant dollars.
Support and Commitment
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland expressed his support for the grant, highlighting the enhancements it will bring to broadband access for the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska. Jancita Warrington, Executive Director of the Kansas Native American Affairs Commission, commended the dedication and commitment of the Kansas Office of Broadband Development in understanding the challenges faced by all communities.
Conclusion
The $498,000 broadband grant awarded to the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska will play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide and promoting digital inclusion. By improving broadband infrastructure, providing technology learning centers, and empowering Tribal communities through educational and workforce opportunities, this project aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals and ensures that all Kansans can fully participate in the global economy.
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 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
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 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.
- 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.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 9.c.1: Proportion of the population covered by a mobile network, by technology.
- Indicator 4.c.1: Proportion of teachers in: (a) pre-primary; (b) primary; (c) lower secondary; and (d) upper secondary 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.
- Indicator 3.d.1: International Health Regulations (IHR) capacity and health emergency preparedness.
- Indicator 8.3.1: Proportion of informal employment in non-agriculture employment, by sex.
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. | Indicator 9.c.1: Proportion of the population covered by a mobile network, by technology. |
| 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 4.c.1: Proportion of teachers in: (a) pre-primary; (b) primary; (c) lower secondary; and (d) upper secondary 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 3.d.1: International Health Regulations (IHR) capacity and health emergency preparedness. |
| 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. | Indicator 8.3.1: Proportion of informal employment in non-agriculture employment, by sex. |
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Source: governor.kansas.gov
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