Legislative Services

This Dec. 11 update from the Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) highlights recent advances and upcoming opportunities for funding aimed at improving internet infrastructure. The initiatives listed here are part of the state's effort to ensure reliable and equitable broadband access for all Texans.

For further information on the following items, please visit the BDO website.

Bringing Online Opportunities to Texas (BOOT) Program: The BDO has notified the first round of award recipients; these awards represent $580 million in funding to connect nearly 80,000 locations in 15 counties. A posting on the BDO website of the awardees is forthcoming, and additional recipients will be notified in the coming weeks.

Texas Pole Replacement Program: The second Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) has been posted, including questions and answers regarding the NOFA. Applications for Round II will be accepted beginning Jan. 6. Program details are available on the Pole Replacement Program webpage. Subscribe to alerts from the BDO for forthcoming updates.

Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program: The map challenge process is now open and will run through April. The NOFA is anticipated to be issued in May or June, and will announce the application window. The BDO aims to publish the Texas eligible Broadband Serviceable Locations (BSLs) at least seven days before the challenge process begins.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) approved Volume II of the state's Initial Proposal for the BEAD Program in November. The approved plan outlines the selection and awards process to distribute $3.3 billion in BEAD funding to subgrantees. The approved document is available now.

NTIA has also posted an updated version of its BEAD Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). The latest additions can be found at the end of the document.

The map challenge process began Dec. 3; the deadline for submitting challenges and supporting evidence was Dec. 17. To address questions and provide additional information, the BDO hosted challenge process informational webinars. The sessions were recorded and archived on the BDO website (see links to the recordings below). The office also hosts virtual office hours every Thursday from 1 to 2 p.m. CST (noon to 1 p.m. MST) and has a dedicated technical support hotline: 888-TEX-BEAD (839-2323).

• Oct. 30, 2024 – Webinar recording
• Nov. 13, 2024 – Webinar recording
• Dec. 4, 2024, at 1 p.m. – Webinar recording
• Jan. 8, 2025, at 1 p.m. – Register for webinar

Why county participation in the map challenge process is important: 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 determine funding eligibility.

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: Registrants for the online portal are encouraged to obtain a CostQuest Tier E license to view document submission requirements and the BSL map. 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 about this article, please contact Sara Ratliff.