“Reliable, high-speed internet access is essential infrastructure for a strong economy.”
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced today the Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) will soon submit its final proposal to the federal government to invest approximately $1.3 billion in federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program funds.
Once approved and implemented, this proposal would make it possible for almost every Texas location on the Federal Communications Commission’s National Broadband Map to connect to high-speed internet for the first time in state history, a landmark achievement years in the making.
The fina(PDFl proposal ) outlines how Texas will close the state’s remaining broadband gaps by funding projects to connect almost 243,000 unserved and underserved homes, businesses and community anchor institutions across Texas.
“Reliable, high-speed internet access is essential infrastructure for a strong economy,” Hancock said. “This proposal will help ensure every Texas community can compete and thrive by empowering job creators, strengthening small businesses and giving families access to new employment and education opportunities. Texas is investing these federal dollars wisely and keeping our focus on results.”
Under the plan, about 123,000 unserved and underserved locations would be connected by end-to-end fiber technology, roughly 66,000 via low-earth orbit satellite and about 54,000 locations through fixed wireless.
Texas also has created a matching program using state funds to help small and mid-size providers compete, ensuring rural and hard-to-reach communities aren’t left behind.
All awarded projects will include strict timelines, regular progress reporting and clawback provisions to ensure effective use of funds and timely delivery of networks.
The BDO is accepting public comment on the final proposal until Oct. 22, 2025, at 2 p.m. CT. The public comment form includes the final proposal draft and supporting materials.
The BDO will submit the plan to the federal government soon after the public comment period ends. Texas will finalize grant awards upon federal approval, which is expected within 90 days of submission
