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Outreach: News and Events
Monthly Roundtables
(All times are in Central Time.)
- May 27 at 3 p.m. – Industry Roundtable (Teams)
- June 5 at 10 a.m. – Local Government and Community Roundtable (Teams)
Upcoming Events
- May 23 at 2 p.m. – Texas Low Earth Orbit Satellite Program (LEO Program) applications due.
- May 29 at 2 p.m. – Texas’ Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) public comment period ends.
- June 12 – Round 1 of Texas’ BEAD application acceptance window begins.
BEAD NOFA Released; Comments Accepted until May 29
The Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) has released its NOFA for the Texas BEAD and Texas Match Assistance Program (TMAP), making more than $3.8 billion in federal and state funds available to expand broadband infrastructure across the state. This funding will support broadband infrastructure projects in unserved and underserved areas, ensuring access to reliable, affordable internet for all Texans.
The NOFA and application materials are available on the TexasSmartBuy website. Interested parties seeking clarity on the NOFA must use the BDO’s Question Intake Form to submit questions. Questions will be accepted through May 29 at 2 p.m.
Applications for the Texas BEAD Program can be submitted via the Texas BEAD Application portal from June 12 through Aug. 1. New applicants can register anytime until the application window closes.
Prospective applicants that experience technical issues can contact the BDO’s technical support helpline by calling 855-TEX-BEAD (855-839-2323) Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by emailing txhelpdesk@ready.net. Please be advised that the BDO can only address technical questions outside of the public comment process.
For additional information, please visit the BEAD Program webpage and the Texas BEAD registration page.
U.S. Department of Commerce Terminates the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program
On May 9, states and territories were notified by the federal government on its decision to terminate the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program (SDECGP), a component of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed in 2021. This decision affects Texas’ allocation of $55.6 million through the SDECGP earmarked for implementing programs aligned with the Texas Digital Opportunity Plan.
In absence of these federal funds, the BDO will leverage the state’s Broadband Infrastructure Fund to design programs and support initiatives that will ensure all Texans have access to affordable broadband and devices as well as the essential digital literacy skills needed to fully participate in the modern economy.
Broadband Workforce Program Coming Soon
The BDO is taking action to build a powerful Texas broadband workforce. A new competitive grant program is in the works, specifically designed to support current and future broadband initiatives in the state.
This program will empower organizations to develop and expand accessible education, ensuring a skilled and robust workforce is ready to meet Texas' ambitious broadband deployment goals. Application guidelines and details on how to apply will be shared soon in a published NOFA.
LEO Program Applications Due May 23
The BDO is accepting applications for the LEO Program with a goal of improving internet access in rural Texas. This program is designed to assess the viability of LEO satellite technology in delivering high-speed, low-latency internet to remote areas that face some of state’s more significant connectivity challenges. The application window for the LEO Program is open until May 23 at 2 p.m., followed by a 30-day application challenge period.
Details regarding the LEO Program can be found in the program’s NOFA. The BDO will provide further guidance on its website regarding how to submit challenges.
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