LUBBOCK, Texas — The push to enhance broadband access throughout Texas has been underway for quite some time.
On certain days, it seems achieving this goal is within reach, while on others it feels like the state is still far from the finish line.
Recently, Texas received final clearance to utilize billions of federal dollars aimed at improving internet connectivity across its vast landscape.
This announcement came approximately 17 months after a commitment of $3.3 billion was made for broadband initiatives in Texas, a component of the bipartisan infrastructure legislation that President Joe Biden signed into effect.

However, following this crucial approval, Texas Senator Ted Cruz issued a letter raising concerns about potential delays in the funding due to the political changes accompanying the presidential transition and the Republican takeover of Congress.
Such mixed messages exemplify the ongoing struggle Texas faces in advancing its broadband capabilities to keep pace with other states.
Many advocates fear this cyclical back and forth may lead to challenges in the near future.
“There’s a strong sentiment that we won’t receive more funding after this,” expressed Lonnie Hunt from the Deep East Texas Council of Governments.
“This is our moment to make thoughtful choices.”

The financial requirements for broadening Internet access in Texas are substantial.
Initial funding included $461.7 million from the American Rescue Plan Act enacted in 2021, as part of the federal government’s COVID-19 response.
In 2023, voters approved an additional $1.5 billion from state taxes for broadband projects.
However, the largest source of funding comes from the $3.3 billion federal allocation through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Despite concerted efforts from local governments, advocates, and policymakers, the deployment of these funds has been anything but straightforward.
The complexities of infrastructure development make it a time-consuming process, highlighting the difficulties of providing effective broadband to the public, despite collaboration between multiple levels of government and the private sector.
One of the primary steps in this nationwide initiative is pinpointing the areas most in need of broadband connectivity.
Unfortunately, federally produced maps indicating these necessities have faced criticism for inaccuracy from many advocates.

Concerns also linger over federal regulations that inhibit rural internet providers from accessing these funds.
The staggered nature of funding rounds has led to frustration among internet service providers and the communities they aim to serve.
All these challenges have hampered Texas’ longstanding aim of achieving comprehensive internet connectivity, crucial for facilitating telehealth services, remote work, and improved broadband for a growing populace.
Hunt visually represents a summary of broadband availability in Deep East Texas with a paper covered in dark spots resembling a Dalmatian, underscoring the urgency of addressing connectivity across the region.
“Without careful planning, we risk pouring resources into this initiative without actually closing the gaps,” Hunt remarked.

Historically, Texas has lagged in broadband infrastructure development.
While most states established dedicated broadband offices in the 2010s, Texas only launched its office in 2021, which is operated by the comptroller’s office, Glenn Hegar.
This new office allowed Texas to secure significant pandemic relief funding for broadband in the form of $461.7 million through the American Rescue Plan Act.
Local administrators had been aware of incoming funding for broadband, but uncertainty lingered regarding the timeline.
Earlier this year, the state broadband office reported that 20 projects received a combined $12 million, expected to benefit 1,729 homes and businesses around Texas.

One of the beneficiaries of this funding is Poka Lambro Telecom, which has been servicing 24 small towns near Lubbock for over 75 years.
The company has transitioned from traditional telephone lines to modern fiber optic cables, extending services even to remote areas such as farms, oil fields, and solar plants.
In July, the state combined leftover pandemic funds with $303 million from the recently approved state funding, generating a total of $730 million for another round of allocations across 24 counties.

Selections were based on criteria of location and need, ensuring geographic equity according to the state’s broadband office.
Greg Conte, the state’s broadband director, indicated that the office relied on updated federal availability data to determine need.
Yet in the recent allocation, Lynn County, where Poka Lambro is based, was overlooked along with some areas in the southern region, while Carson and Roberts counties in the northern Panhandle received the funds instead.
“It’s good for those counties, but disappointing for us,” stated Patrick Sherrill, CEO of Poka Lambro.
“The selection criteria remain unclear to us.”

Sherrill is optimistic about securing future funding opportunities to assist in connecting additional nearby counties.
He expressed concern over inaccuracies in the federal broadband map, which could lead to areas receiving no assistance if they are inaccurately marked as served.
“To see our communities overlooked due to questionable maps would be a significant loss,” he lamented.

Rio Grande Valley leaders, who felt completely bypassed in earlier funding cycles, are expressing their concerns regarding the use of federal maps for future funding decisions.
In response, they have formed the Rio Grande Valley Broadband Coalition to advocate for better representation and funding to expand connectivity in their region.
They emphasize that relying on flawed data undermines congressional mandates aimed at supporting areas with high poverty rates.
Jordana Barton-Garcia, the coalition’s director, pointed out the contradiction between U.S. Census data and previous federal maps that incorrectly suggested complete broadband coverage.

Further challenges can still be made against the broadband coverage maps before the aforementioned $3.3 billion is allocated, starting December 3.
Coalition leaders are hopeful that a unified effort will enhance their chances in addressing the digital divide.
Such efforts include conducting feasibility studies in collaboration with local internet service providers to outline the area’s broadband requirements and aspirations for upcoming federal grants that prioritize accuracy over potentially flawed maps.

In Alpine, Rusty Moore, the general manager of Big Bend Telephone, reports spending years combating issues related to federal mapping inaccuracies.
His company serves a vast area in the Big Bend region, and over the years, it has invested significant resources to ensure accurate representation in these maps, achieving some success with grant applications.
Moore reflected on the frustrations within the broadband sector at being forced to make critical decisions based on inadequate data.

The federal mapping office has assured that ongoing feedback will be integrated to improve the accuracy of these maps, updated semi-annually.
Meanwhile, Texas’ broadband director, Conte, underscored that federal funding is contingent on federal data reflecting underserved areas rather than state assessments, which could sometimes offer a conflicting picture.

Local governments remain pivotal in advocating for broadband expansion, yet infrastructure projects ultimately depend on the private sector for execution.
Jim O’Bryan, a county judge leading a small community, emphasized that understanding broadband dynamics remains a challenge.
He noted that partnering with local internet providers is vital to meet the essential needs of constituents.

However, local officials expressing excitement about the influx of federal funds often find themselves unprepared for the scope and responsibility of such undertakings.
According to Connor Sadro from the Deep East Texas Council of Governments, while eagerness abounds, many counties lack the infrastructure capacity necessary to navigate these opportunities effectively.
To assist communities requiring guidance in broadband planning, the state has established a Technical Assistance Program which includes 32 enrolled counties.

Despite initial federal approvals for substantial funding, skepticism looms following statements from Cruz, who is slated to lead the Senate Commerce Committee — responsible for overseeing telecommunications initiatives.
Cruz has hinted at reevaluating the broadband program, citing additional requirements imposed by the current administration as necessary areas for scrutiny.
The state’s challenge process, allowing various stakeholders to contest the federal maps, begins on December 3.
During this period, resources will be made available to support participants, including webinars, office hours, and a dedicated helpline.