Broadband
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.
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.