This NCTCOG webpage is dedicated to broadband resources, information and funding opportunities. Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act - IIJA), roughly $65 billion was allocated to address broadband needs across the country. The resources listed below cover information on state and federal agencies that are working on broadband initiatives. For broadband funding opportunities, scroll to the table at the bottom of this webpage for more information.

Additional broadband resources can be found on the Economic Development Resource webpage here.

 

Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO)

The Texas BDO Mission:

• Create an accurate broadband map of eligible vs. ineligible areas for financial assistance. The map will have a challenge process to dispute any perceived inaccuracies.
• Establish a long-term, statewide plan that addresses strategies and goals for expanding access to and further adoption of broadband service.
• Award grants or other financial instruments to meet the goals of the plan.
• Set the effective threshold speed for broadband service (25 Mbps download/3 Mbps upload).
• Engage in outreach to communities regarding the expansion.
• Address barriers for future expansion efforts.

BE A PART OF TEXAS' BROADBAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN!

We encourage Texas residents to complete a short survey on their experience with broadband connectivity and use at their residence.

Take the survey          Llenar la encuesta

Printable versions of the survey are available in English and Spanish.  People without internet access can take the survey by calling toll free (833-3TEXBDO) and speaking with an analyst.

National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)

NTIA activities include:

• Managing the Federal use of spectrum and identifying additional spectrum for commercial use;
• Administering grant programs that further the deployment and use of broadband and other technologies in America;
• Developing policy on issues related to the Internet economy, including online privacy, copyright protection, cybersecurity, and the global free flow of information online;
• Promoting the stability and security of the Internet’s domain name system through its participation on behalf of the U.S. government in Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) activities; and
• Performing cutting-edge telecommunications research and engineering with both Federal government and private sector partners.  

 

NTIA - BroadbandUSA

The BroadbandUSA program, housed within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), serves state, local, and tribal governments, industry, and nonprofits that seek to expand broadband connectivity and promote digital inclusion. BroadbandUSA promotes planning and funding efforts through solution-neutral guides and resources, hosting local and regional planning workshops that offer opportunities to convene with broadband stakeholders across the country, the National Broadband Availability Map (NBAM), and promoting interagency coordination.  

NTIA - Internet For All

Internet For All is a website that is dedicated to information on broadband funding opportunities, broadband informational webinars, and supports access to broadband for all residents.
 
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $65 billion in funding to broadband initiatives. Four agencies are leading this historic effort: the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Department of the Treasury, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

* Webinars for the funding opportunities listed below can be found here.

Broadband Funding Opportunities

PROGRAM	DESCRIPTION	AGENCY	STATUS	WHAT IT FUNDS
Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program	Builds high-speed internet infrastructure where needed, supports job training, provides the equipment needed, and drives partnerships to get everyone online.	NTIA	OPEN	Infrastructure Planning Adoption
Digital Equity Act Programs	Three programs that promote digital inclusion and advance equity for all to ensure all communities have affordable access and can use the internet to improve their lives.	NTIA	OPEN	Adoption
Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program	This program expands middle mile infrastructure. It aims to reduce the cost of connecting unserved and underserved areas.	NTIA	OPEN	Infrastructure
Affordable Connectivity Program	This program helps residents  pay for high-speed internet service and technology.	FCC	OPEN	Adoption