GIS Company to Provide Texas Broadband Mapping

A February request for offers (RFOs) for a state broadband availability map has been awarded, bringing Texas a step closer to the goal of mapping all areas to pinpoint those underserved in broadband delivery.

State Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA) Glenn Hegar announced that LightBox, based in Irvine, Calif., will develop the state’s broadband availability map with a firm “go-live date” of Jan. 1.

The map will help the comptroller’s Broadband Development Office (BDO) determine where to invest public funding in areas most in need of broadband connectivity as it implements the Texas Broadband Plan, according to Monday’s news release.

“We are excited to partner with LightBox for the important task of connecting Texans in unserved and underserved parts of this state. During my Broadband Listening Tour, I could see the frustration on people’s faces — they’re not connected, their connection is not reliable or they can’t afford it,” Hegar said.

“When this map is complete, the BDO along with community leaders and members of the public will be able to extract information from the map to better understand the needs of their regions and to make better decisions establishing programs related to broadband development.”

One connectivity issue is speed of service. The federal government’s minimal service has been defined at 25/3 Mbps service with at least one user in a census block receiving it. However, Texas is defining connected service at 100/20 Mbps service, according to the state plan.

Broadband mapping will assist in clarifying where speeds are lacking, among other issues.

LightBox, which provides a geospatial mapping service, also has been employed by state officials in Georgia, Alabama and Montana to help create detailed broadband coverage maps. LightBox will collect data from Internet service providers throughout Texas to develop a comprehensive broadband availability map.

According to the RFO, dated Feb. 14, “The CPA is required to deploy the State of Texas broadband availability map on or before Jan. 1, 2023, the go-live date for the system. At least two weeks prior to this go-live date, successful respondent shall deploy into production all aspects of the RFO that are classified as mandatory.”

The map will feature addresses of all types, including homes, businesses, public schools, charter schools, governmental entities, community anchor institutions, military bases, community colleges and tribal areas, according to the press release.

“LightBox is the ideal partner in helping states map and identify a comprehensive view of every broadband serviceable location (BSL),” said LightBox CEO Eric Frank. “It’s a critical starting point for states to ensure they are maximizing the amount of federal funds they can receive and deploy those funds effectively.”