Governor’s Council: How More Texans Could Have Broadband Access

The Governor’s Broadband Development Council has issued its first report to the Texas Legislature. The report includes recommendations for the 87th Legislative Session that begins in January and provides an overview of the council’s work since it was formed. 

The council is recommending the creation of a state broadband plan and broadband office. The council also recommends the continued study of the development of a state broadband funding program to incentivize deployment in unserved areas. 

“There are many challenges to broadband connectivity in rural and unserved areas of the state, and currently Texas is one of six states that does not have a statewide broadband plan,” according to the report. “In 2020, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted issues regarding broadband internet in many ways, and now more than ever it is apparent that broadband connectivity is a critical issue for the rural and unserved areas of our state.”

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