The state of Texas has begun accepting applications for nearly $730 million in broadband funding. Applications are due by August 26, 2024.
Applicants can request funding for any of 24 counties. Funding targets the two neediest counties in each of the state’s 12 economic regions.
Network operators winning funding will be required to make service available to all unserved and underserved locations in the county.
Awardees will be required to deploy symmetrical gigabit service unless “it would be impractical because of geography, topography, or excessive cost”, in which case symmetrical 100 Mbps capability will be required.
Awards will be made by the Texas Broadband Development Office through the state’s Bringing Online Opportunities to Texas (BOOT) II program.
Applicants can request a minimum of $1 million and a maximum of $125 million. Projects must be completed by December 31, 2026.
Applications will be evaluated based on a point system focused on four main areas weighted as follows:
- Minimal BOOT program outlay, including cost effectiveness and cost per passing. As much as 20% of total project locations can be defined as “served” (i.e., not underserved or unserved). But those with smaller percentages will receive preference. (35%)
- Project Budget and Sustainability. Projects that include at least 10% in matching funds will receive preference. (25%)
- Applicant Qualifications, including organizational, managerial, financial and technical capacity. (20%)
- Affordability based on evidence that service is financially accessible to Texans in the project area. Applicants that will offer a low-cost option will receive preference, as will projects that use an open access approach. (10%)
- Community Impact, including programs to enhance digital opportunity, local workforce development and evidence of community support. (10%)
This is the second round of funding in the BOOT program. The first round had a total budget of $120 million.
Funding for the program came from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and from the state.
Additional information about Texas broadband, including links to state funding resources, state specific Telecompetitor news coverage and more can be found on the Telecompetitor Broadband Nation webpage for the state.
