Outreach Coordinator Andrea Pacheco presented at the Longview meeting, which included focus group-style discussions facilitated by the BDO and Connected Nation representatives. They also gave updates on data gathering and demographic information.
Pacheco gave updates on upcoming deadlines and data-gathering periods, such as an Aug. 21 to Sept. 11 window for Internet service providers (ISPs) to submit data for an updated state broadband map.
The data will be used by the state’s mapping vendor, LightBox, to create the next-generation map to be released at the beginning of 2024.
Other deadlines include the Bringing Online Opportunities to Texas (BOOT) challenge period, which ends Aug. 21. The BOOT program received more than 191 applications for $180 million in funding. It is expected to connect 152,000 homes and businesses. The office is continuing to work through applications, and a list is posted at the BOOT page.
The office’s Digital Opportunity Plan is due Aug. 31; this plan will outline Texas’ intentions for an expected $100 million federal Digital Equity Act grant. The plan is a road map, according to the office, and it will provide direction on how the state will foster Internet connections, affordability, device access, digital skills and cybersecurity awareness for citizens.
By the numbers, Pacheco said that in addition to 7 million Texans who don’t have reliable Internet service or even access, there are some 3.6 million who don’t think it is affordable, and about 3.8 million need digital skills and literacy.
She said that there was “monumental” work involved and that community meetings are one way for the state and residents to “build this program together.”
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA) since November 2020 has supported the BDO, established under House Bill 5 during the 87th Legislature. The office is charged with creating an accurate broadband map, awarding grants and monies, setting the threshold speed for broadband, providing community outreach and addressing barriers to expansion.
