November 20, 2025

Federal Government Approves Texas Broadband Development Office’s $1.3 Billion Proposal to Provide High-Speed Internet Access Statewide

(AUSTIN) — Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced today that Texas’ final proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, a roadmap for investing approximately $1.3 billion to close the state’s digital divide, has been approved by the federal government.

Greenlighted by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the BEAD plan submitted by the Comptroller's Broadband Development Office (BDO) will make it possible for almost every Texas location on the Federal Communications Commission’s National Broadband Map to connect to high-speed internet for the first time in state history, a landmark achievement years in the making.

“Expanding reliable broadband is ultimately about strengthening our communities and supporting the hardworking Texans who keep our economy moving in each of the 254 counties across the state,” Hancock said. “With this approval, we will ensure federal funds are used carefully and transparently, with a focus on innovative technologies and real accountability. The Texas broadband plan reflects our state’s commitment to responsible stewardship and to creating an environment where families, students and businesses can continue to thrive for generations to come.”

The final proposal (PDF), which was sent to NTIA for approval last month, outlines how Texas will close the state’s remaining broadband gaps by funding projects to connect almost 243,000 unserved and underserved homes, businesses and community anchor institutions across Texas. The BDO awaits further guidance from the federal government, including specific award conditions tied to the funds, and plans to finalize grant awards early in 2026. 

Under the plan, about 123,000 unserved and underserved locations would be connected by end-to-end fiber technology, roughly 65,000 via low-earth orbit satellite and about 54,000 locations through fixed wireless. Selected awardees will have four years to complete their work and provide service to every eligible location.

Texas also created a match assistance program using state funds to help small and mid-sized providers compete. All awarded projects will include strict timelines, regular progress reporting and clawback provisions to ensure funds are used effectively and networks delivered timely.