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About
The Broadband Development Office (BDO), operated by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, awards grants, low-interest loans and other financial incentives to internet service providers who expand access to broadband service in underserved areas. The BDO also provides a variety of tools and resources supporting the expansion of broadband access across Texas.
Why are we here?
Texas’ economy is becoming increasingly dependent on internet access.
Education
Today’s students need to be technologically equipped for success in tomorrow’s workforce. Broadband can help them find and apply for jobs and gain new career skills. Broadband technology also is key to the use of distance learning.
Telemedicine
The use of online disease management services, electronic health records, home monitoring and other services can reach Texans who don’t have easy face-to-face access to healthcare.
Public Safety
With advancements in technology, first responders increasingly use on wireless services to share video and other important data in order to keep people safe and save lives. They rely on dependable, available broadband to accomplish mission-critical communications that make the success of their efforts possible.
Business and Tourism
High-speed internet can help businesses generate sales, expand their reach and make purchases from larger vendor networks. A joint U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Amazon survey estimated that increased access to digital tools over three years could generate nearly $6.7 billion in increased annual sales for rural Texas businesses, while creating more than 23,000 additional Texas jobs.
Agriculture
Texas farmers depend on technology as much as any stockbroker or banker. Autonomous machinery, data-driven irrigation sensors and web-enabled sales platforms are just a few of the tools used in “precision” agriculture. This applies technology to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of planting, nutrient and pest management and harvesting.
Our Mission
In accordance with legislation that established the BDO, as well as legislation guiding the Broadband Development Program, the office will:
- Create and maintain an accurate map depicting broadband availability at each broadband serviceable location in Texas.
- Establish a long-term, statewide plan that addresses strategies and goals for expanding access to and further adoption of broadband service.
- Design, build and run an efficient, compliant and competitive grant program to award grants or other financial instruments for the deployment of broadband technologies and opportunities across the state.
- Set and adjust standards for service in terms of speed, latency, reliability and resilience, while prioritizing fiber projects where possible to promote a future-ready broadband network.
- Identify and engage in outreach to communities in need through collaboration and input from state and local governments, communities and industry.
- Increase access to affordable broadband service offerings and address barriers to broadband access.
- Achieve universal access and quality of service to provide all Texans the opportunity to participate in the digital economy.