Texas Gets a Billion-Dollar Boost for Broadband. What It Means for You

There’s more good news for Texans who are looking for better and fasterbroadband internet coverage.

Greg Abbott said in a statement on Nov. 30.

Here’s what you oughta know about federal and state broadband projects to wrap up the digital divide.

Closing the digital divide: How is it possible?

The path to that future isn’t quite clear, however.

And the COVID-19 pandemic shone a spotlight on just how vital broadband connections are these days.

Siefer points out how it’s almost impossible to accomplish even simple chores without internet access.

“Using the internet used to be a choice,” she said.

Try calling a government agency or corporation for customer service rather than using their online services.

You’ll need to factor in a lot of time and patience."

The new fund’s goal is to make broadband and telecommunications services more available and accessible to Texans.

The fund is financed through money allocated by the state legislature, gifts, grants and investment earnings.

But say you’re not a Texan.

The state isn’t alone in its support for broadband expansion.

In November 2021, President Joe Biden signed a massive$1.2 trillion infrastructure billthat includes broadband-focused initiatives.

And individual states have their own websites laying out their plans for the money.

Need a one-stop shop to look up your state, or even more than one?

How is that $42 billion divided up?

That’s a lot of money, but there are a lot of people in need of aid.

Angela Siefer of NDIA praises the ACP, a $30-a-month broadband subsidy for eligible households.

That program could be ending as early as next year, however.

ThePew Charitable Trustsreports that ACP funds will be exhausted by spring 2024 unless Congress moves to extend it.

“If Congress does not act, over 21 million households will lose this subsidy,” Siefer said.

“We cannot go back to children doing their homework in parking lots.”