Legislative Services

The Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) provides updates on key programs and initiatives aimed at expanding broadband access statewide, including funding opportunities, application deadlines and participation guidelines.

Bringing Online Opportunities to Texas (BOOT) Program: Applications were accepted through Aug. 26. Award decisions are expected in November.

Texas Pole Replacement Program: Applications were accepted from Sept. 3 to Sept. 10. There were 18 applications, totaling $18.5 million. The remaining balance is $56.5 million. Round II will be initiated in November, with applications likely accepted through January. Subscribe to alerts from the BDO for forthcoming updates.

Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program Timeline: The map challenge process will be run from Dec. 1 through April 30. The Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) will be posted and applications will be accepted from May 1 through June 30. The BDO aims to publish the Texas eligible Broadband Serviceable Locations at least seven days before the challenge process begins.

• The map challenge process begins Dec. 3. Eligible entities will have 14 days to submit challenges and supporting evidence. The BDO hosted the first of four challenge process informational webinars on Oct. 30. Participants must pre-register for each session. The sessions will also be recorded and posted on the BDO website. In addition to the webinars, there will also be office hours every Thursday beginning Nov. 7 from 1 to 2 p.m. CST, and a dedicated technical support hotline: (888) TEX-BEAD (839-2323).
• Why county participation in the map challenge process is important: Since the federal government developed the map of broadband coverage for the state, representation of actual service availability, speeds or latency may not be accurately represented. The challenge process gives Texas the opportunity to refine the data before $3.3 billion in federal funding is awarded. The updated and approved map will be used to decide which locations are eligible to receive funding.
• How county officials can participate in the map challenge process: Individuals representing local government entities must register for the online Resident Input Tool. Only one person per eligible entity can register for an account, but can add team members to the account once registered. Pre-registration for the online portal is now open. Registration closes Jan. 22.
• Important reminders: The BDO strongly recommends that eligible entities begin preparing their challenges now since the submission window is only 14 days. Officials are encouraged to register for the online portal and obtain a CostQuest Tier E license to view document submission requirements and the BSL map before the challenge process begins. Even if your entity is not planning to submit a challenge, an account may be needed for the rebuttal phase. Entities do not have to participate in the challenge process to be eligible to apply for funding once the NOFA is posted in the spring of 2025.

For more information, please visit the BDO website.