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Funding
The Broadband Development Office (BDO) was established by the state legislature in 2021 to award grants, low-interest loans and other financial incentives to applicants seeking to expand access to and adoption of broadband service in designated areas determined to be eligible by the office.
Below are current and upcoming funding opportunities for applicants seeking to expand broadband in their territories.
Applications closed May 5, 2023
Bringing Online Opportunities to Texas (BOOT) Program
The BOOT Program is funded by the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund. BOOT will ensure Texans have the connectivity they need by funding critical broadband infrastructure projects that bring last-mile connectivity to homes and businesses across the state.
The BOOT Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) was published on March 6, 2023.
Applications received will be posted shortly. The BOOT Program page outlines next steps.
Coming Soon
Texas Broadband Pole Replacement Program
Pending a Federal Award Decision
BDO is currently seeking funding approval for the Texas Broadband Pole Replacement Program, which will reimburse up to the lesser of $5,000 or 50 percent of the costs incurred or paid by a broadband provider or pole owner to replace a pole used to deploy eligible broadband service.
Funding for this program is pending a federal award from the U.S. Treasury.
Program Guidance
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Programs - Coming in 2024
Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program
Authorized by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the BEAD Program will fund projects that help expand high-speed internet access and use. It supports infrastructure deployment, mapping and adoption, including planning and capacity-building in state offices. It also supports outreach and coordination with local communities. The program is designed to expand internet access to these priority areas:
- Unserved locations (speeds less than 25/3 Mbps).
- Underserved locations (speeds greater than 25/3 Mbps but less than 100/20 Mbps).
BDO expects the BEAD Program to be operational in 2024.
Program Guidance
Digital Equity Act of 2021
Coming in 2024
Authorized by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the Digital Equity Act of 2021 will fund projects that help ensure Texans and Texas communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy by promoting a diverse array of digital advancement projects.
These projects may range from providing digital literacy and digital skills education to low-income populations, improving the online accessibility of social services for individuals with disabilities, or more accurately measuring broadband access and adoption in rural communities.
BDO expects programs related to the Digital Equity Act of 2021 to be operational in 2024. In the meantime, BDO will be establishing a State Digital Opportunity Plan through various engagement opportunities.
Program Guidance
Interested in participating and providing feedback on the IIJA programs? Provide your information and BDO will keep you involved.