Texas Comptroller’s Office Selects LightBox to Develop Broadband Availability Map

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced his agency has selected data company LightBox to develop the state’s broadband availability map. The map will help the Comptroller’s Broadband Development Office (BDO) determine where to invest public funding in areas most in need of broadband connectivity as it implements the Texas Broadband Plan. LightBox, which provides a geospatial mapping service, also has been employed by state officials in Georgia, Alabama and Montana to help create detailed broadband coverage maps. LightBox will soon start collecting data from internet service providers throughout Texas in an effort to develop a comprehensive broadband availability map, which the company is expected to complete by January 2023. The map will feature addresses of all types, including homes, businesses, public schools, charter schools, governmental entities, community anchor institutions, military bases, community colleges and Tribal areas. The Texas Legislature created the BDO in 2021 to award grants, low-interest loans and other financial incentives to internet service providers who expand access to broadband service in underserved areas. The Comptroller’s office released the Texas Broadband Plan in June 2022.