Texas Launches Broadband Office to Guide Expansion govtech.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from govtech.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar Announces Creation of Broadband Development Office
(AUSTIN) Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar today announced his agency will operate a newly created Broadband Development Office (BDO). The BDO will award grants, low-interest loans and other financial incentives to internet service providers who expand access to broadband service in underserved areas. Easy, secure internet access is increasingly important in our society, and it was essential during the pandemic. So, I am grateful that lawmakers made the expansion of broadband access across Texas a priority through the creation of the Broadband Development Office at my agency, Hegar said. Greg Conte has been selected to serve as BDO director. He has worked at the Texas Comptroller s office for five years, most recently serving as manager of the Data Analysis and Transparency Division. Conte, a U.S. military veteran, earned Master of Business Administration and Master of Public Affairs degrees from the
Commentary: Texas can close digital divide in higher education
Darrin Q. Rankin, Steven Johnson and Jacob Fraire, For the Express-News
April 9, 2021
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Texas is still facing a troubling higher education digital divide one in which those who already have access to technology can obtain an advanced degree. The Legislature must establish a statewide broadband plan this session.Cedar Attanasio /Associated Press
The Texas Legislature is considering legislation that may become one of the most important policy changes for higher education in the state: Senate Bill 5.
This bill, along with its companion, House Bill 5, would establish a statewide broadband office and require a statewide plan for high-speed internet access. It would have far-reaching implications for both online and classroom learning.
Grieder: Abbott s call for universal broadband access creates opportunity for bipartisan action
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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott prepares to deliver his State of the State speech at Visionary Fiber Technologies, for the first time outside the Capitol, Monday, Feb. 1, 2021, in Lockhart, Texas.Bob Daemmrich, POOL / Associated PressShow MoreShow Less
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Brian Ligon, Communications and Marketing Director, gives a tour on Friday, October 25, 2019 in Mont Belvieu, Texas. Major internet service providers don t see enough potential return on investment to make their service available in rural areas. The town of Mont Belvieu decided to spend millions of dollars to build and maintain a municipal internet network, MBLink. MBLink provides affordable broadband internet for all of its residents who want it. (Shaban Athuman/Dallas Morning News/TNS)Shaban Athuman, MBR / TNSShow MoreShow Less