The state comptroller’s office announced the release of its new broadband map showcasing which areas might be eligible to receive funding for broadband expansion projects.
The map uses data collected from Internet service providers (ISPs) to show the types of high-speed Internet access used across the state.
According to a statement from the comptroller’s office, the map will be updated biannually by the Broadband Development Office (BDO) to incorporate any additional information and data.
As for how this impacts funding, state law stipulates that areas are eligible “if less than 80 percent of the locations have access to Internet at speeds of 25 megabits per second (mbps) downstream and three mbps upstream.”
“For this initial batch of data, we leaned heavily on coverage information provided by ISPs, and we followed federal guidance for speed and eligibility,” state Comptroller Glenn Hegar said in a release. “However, the ISP advertised speeds submitted to us don’t necessarily match test speeds on the ground, which is a prime example of the types of flaws that are now more apparent in the federal mapping process and in the definition of broadband services.”
To address this, Hegar added, “there will be multiple opportunities to challenge the accuracy of the data, and I encourage the public, stakeholders and legislators, as well as service providers and other vendors, to engage with us on the Texas map so we have the most accurate information available.”
State Comptroller Publishes Broadband Map
With it comes more information about which areas might receive funding for broadband deployment projects.
