The Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) is committed to keeping Texans informed and engaged as we work to close the state’s digital divide. We provide several ways for you to stay updated on our latest initiatives and share your perspective. We invite you to explore these resources and provide feedback on your community’s unique needs.
BDO Texas Broadband Community Roundtable
The BDO Texas Broadband Community Roundtable is a monthly virtual forum designed to foster collaboration and transparency in our mission to connect all Texans. Hosted by the BDO, these sessions provide a direct line of communication between BDO staff and the people driving change on the ground.
These roundtables are more than just presentations. They are collaborative spaces for industry leaders, community advocates, nonprofit organizations and local government officials to stay aligned. Participants benefit from:
Real-Time Updates: Receive the latest information on BDO grant programs and funding milestones.
Direct Engagement: Participate in live Q&A sessions with BDO staff to get clarity on program requirements and timelines.
Open Discussion: Engage in a statewide dialogue with fellow stakeholders to share best practices, identify challenges and highlight local successes.
Monthly Newsletter: Providing program updates, key dates and important announcements.
Funding Alerts: Notifications on grant opportunities and deadlines.
Feedback Requests: Notification of public comment periods.
Don't miss out on the resources and news your community needs.
PAST OUTREACH INITIATIVES
Surveys
The BDO developed the Texas Digital Opportunity Public Survey to identify the barriers affecting Texas households, such as the lack of infrastructure, digital literacy, affordable service and access to devices.
We also sought input from organizations about existing digital opportunity programs throughout the state to develop a comprehensive understanding of how organizations are supporting broadband accessibility, affordability and adoption.
Internet service providers (ISPs) provided feedback through an industry survey.
The data collected from these surveys were used to develop the Texas Digital Opportunity Plan (TDOP) and the Digital Opportunity Hub, which both address the digital opportunity needs of all Texans.
Public Meetings
During the summer of 2023, the BDO hosted public meetings across Texas to hear directly from local communities about their broadband internet needs and priorities. Among the participants were residents, elected state and county officials, local government representatives, ISPs and nonprofit groups. We used feedback from these meetings to develop the TDOP to support the administration of federal funding dedicated to advancing broadband access and usage across the state. The TDOP will serve as a roadmap for achieving affordable and reliable broadband internet, high-quality device access, digital skills training and cybersecurity awareness to expand digital opportunities for all Texans.
Public Meeting in San Antonio
Public Meeting in Burnet
Public Meeting in Weslaco
Working Groups
The statewide working group advised the task forces and regional working groups, and it helped gather data for the TDOP. The BDO also used feedback from this group to inform the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program 5-Year Action Plan submitted to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration in August 2023.
Regional working groups, which were based on the Comptroller’s 12 economic regions, functioned as “boots on the ground” to coordinate events, meetings, listening sessions and roundtables with local communities in conjunction with the BDO.
Statewide
Alamo Region
Capital Region
Central Texas Region
Gulf Coast Region
High Plains Region
Metroplex Region
Northwest Region
Southeast Region
South Texas Region
Upper East Region
Upper Rio Grande Region
West Texas Region
The 12 Economic Regions of Texas
Task Forces
Task forces brought experts together to address barriers to broadband access, affordability and adoption. They helped develop strategies in line with Texas' digital adoption and advancement priorities.
