Texas official wants low-cost broadband requirements tied to federal dollars dropped

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar (R-TX) recommended federal officials change requirements for billions of dollars in broadband funding, including eliminating the low-cost requirement. Hegar suggested the change in a letter to Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), who is the chairman for the Senate committee that oversees the federal agency responsible for allocating federal broadband funds. In the letter, Comptroller Hegar says removing the requirement may increase provider participation. He also suggested it would reduce the administrative burden on state broadband offices to identify which households the low-cost option could apply to, and monitor compliance.