Staff Reports
AUSTIN – The Texas Broadband Development Office, operated by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, is soliciting input from the public on the new Texas Digital Opportunity Plan. The plan outlines how these entities will connect the Lone Star State for a brighter future by making it easier for all Texans to access and use the internet. From today through Jan. 5, 2024, Texans can give their opinions on the Texas Digital Opportunity Plan by visiting broadbandfortexas.com/tdop.
Almost 2.8 million households and 7 million people in our state lack access to broadband, or high-speed internet, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. The Digital Opportunity Plan will provide these Texans with the technology and knowledge they need to fully participate in an increasingly digital world.
Marion County Extension Agent Doug Weir also wants residents to be aware of two surveys vitally important to broadband development in Texas.
“The first survey is being hosted by my agency, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, and takes no more than 2 – 3 minutes to complete,” said Weir. “This anonymous informational survey helps to generate results for our county residents to be counted in the statewide data gathering that will serve as a roadmap for expanding the availability of reliable and affordable broadband, device access, and digital opportunity across Texas.”
This survey can be found at: http://tx.ag/broadband
“The second survey is called the Texas Digital Resource Mapping Tool (DRMT) and is targeted towards organizational leaders that provide programs, services, and tools to help close the digital divide in Texas,” Weir continued. “This can take many forms, but includes seeking responses from: elected officials, non-profit leaders, community groups, and educators. This survey is also a critical component in helping inform how Texas develops policies and funds programs to promote broadband accessibility, affordability, and adoption. So far – our county is under-represented in making our voice heard. This survey should be fairly easy to complete, and has more open-ended questions for your input.”
The second survey is at http://tx.ag/drmt
Historically, the digital divide in Texas has disproportionately left out rural communities, communities of color and low-income families, according to a 2016 Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas report. Because the internet and technology touch so many aspects of life today, bridging this divide is essential to ensure all Texans can participate and succeed.
The Broadband Development Office is partnering with organizations like the Texas Workforce Commission, chambers of commerce, industry associations, educational institutions and elected officials to highlight how high-speed internet and digital skills training can help Texans realize their economic potential.
Participants in the public comment period will help build a stronger, more connected Texas that can offer.