Texas

Texas' statewide broadband office announced grant applications are open for a new low Earth orbit satellite program that signals a shift in how the nation is developing its broadband infrastructure. Every state has receiving funding to expand broadband through the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment, or BEAD, program, which was billed as a “bold” step toward universal high-speed internet access by 2

US Ignite is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Harris County (TX), the third-largest county in the United States. US Ignite will develop a comprehensive broadband plan for the county. The initiative ensures that Harris County’s Broadband Plan aligns with changes in technology, policies, and the county’s vision for connectivity. As part of this initiative, US Ignite will comprehensively evaluate Harris County’s existing broadband plan, ensuring it aligns with the field’s best practices and recent advancements in broadband strategy.

On March 4, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar wrote to Reps Craig Goldman (R-TX) and August Pfluger (R-TX) expressing his desire to quickly put Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment funds to work and return unallocated funds to the US Treasury. "As a passionate advocate for conservative financial management, I am committed to responsibly using taxpayer dollars and returning any unallocated funds back to the U.S. Treasury.

Due to ongoing federal government realignment to meet the priorities of the new administration, the Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) will pause all grants and contracts related to the state’s allocation of the federal State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. Given this uncertainty, the BDO wants potential applicants to avoid investing significant time and resources into preparing applications until the office receives more clarity on the future of the program from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

Internet service provider 360 Broadband will expand and upgrade internet access in Fannin County (TX) with the help of a $52 million award from the Texas Broadband Development Office’s Bringing Online Opportunities to Texas (BOOT) II Program. The grant will fund part of a $65 million project to bring high-speed fiber internet service to the region, transforming connectivity for residents, businesses, and community institutions.

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.

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced awards totaling $701.9 million for the second round of the Bringing Online Opportunities to Texas Program (BOOT II), aimed at bridging the digital divide and enhancing broadband access for unserved and underserved communities across the state.

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said his Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) is piloting a competitive grant program to support the deployment of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite broadband service in rural, unserved areas of Texas, using $30 million from the state’s Broadband Infrastructure Fund. This initiative continues the Texas Legislature's directive to bridge the digital divide and ensure greater access to high-speed internet for all Texans.