Legislative Services

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a crucial Federal Communications Commission (FCC) benefit program that aims to provide affordable high-speed broadband to all. About 23 million households rely on this program, but the funding is set to run out by the end of April if Congress does not act. The FCC issued an order defining the wind-down process for the ACP, including the freezing of new enrollments on Feb. 7, 2024.

The Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) conducted an anonymous survey to better understand how internet service providers (ISPs) in the state are planning on winding down their ACP participation. The survey received responses from 19 ISPs. Of these, 58% indicated they would offer an alternative low-cost solution to ACP-approved recipients, and 20% plan to offer the unsubsidized low-cost option long term.

Many providers are hoping to temporarily offer a low-cost option in the expectation that a new federally funded subsidy program will be created soon.

Texas Broadband Development Map

The BDO has partnered with mapping vendor Esri to develop the next version of the Texas Broadband Development Map.

The map will display each served, underserved and unserved broadband serviceable location in the state. It also will provide other helpful information such as funding eligibility, number of service providers, and broadband access at public school campuses.

BDO Submits Texas Digital Opportunity Plan

The Texas Digital Opportunity Plan (TDOP) outlines the BDO's objectives and goals for digital opportunity in the state, evaluates the current access and barriers to digital opportunities, clarifies how the BDO will collaborate with stakeholders to overcome challenges, and explains the approaches and actions the BDO will undertake to achieve its objectives and goals.

The TDOP was available for public comment from Nov. 27 to Jan. 5, and the BDO received 317 comments during this period. After a review of the feedback from stakeholders, the BDO revised the plan to include their valuable suggestions and submitted it to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration on Feb. 28.

A final and approved TDOP will position the BDO for further federal funds intended to implement digital opportunity-focused programs throughout the state. For next steps, please refer to the IIJA Digital Opportunity Program page.

Local Government Broadband Roundtable

The Local Government Broadband Roundtable meets virtually on the first Thursday of every month at 10 a.m. The roundtables are intended to inform local elected officials and their staff members and other community-based organizations who want to ensure their constituents have reliable, affordable internet access. The next meeting will be April 4, and the meeting link can be used for every future meeting.

For more information about this article, please contact Megan Molleur.