Texas State Rep. Charles “Doc” Anderson, R-Waco, filed two bills this legislative session that aim to increase broadband access for people who live where access to reliable internet service is limited, largely in rural areas. The proposals “call for the creation of a broadband office in the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the establishment of a grant program to support public or private broadband investment. Anderson’s plan would also include coordination between the broadband office and the Texas Department of Transportation and require reports to the Legislature about the office’s progress.”
Rural broadband funding could connect more Ohio Valley communities to high-speed
With the new funding for a USDA Rural Development pilot program called ReConnect, which allows companies, nonprofits, and communities in under-served regions to apply for loans and grants to fund broadband projects, there may now be funding for building broadband infrastructure in...
Midwest states showing progress in rural connectivity
According to a report from the American Broadband Initiative, a federal initiative aimed at improving accessibility of internet connections, more than 92 percent of the U.S. population had access to fixed land-based broadband in 2016. However, of the 8 percent remaining, 80 percen...
Statewide broadband bill passes out of committee
A bipartisan bill that would support the expansion of broadband service in Washington State, introduced in January by Gov. Jay Inslee, passed out of the House Capital Budget Committee last Tuesday in a unanimous vote. Governor Inslee’s office wrote that federal data "grossly...
FCC pledges more funding for rural broadband deployment
The Federal Communications Commission on Monday announced an additional $67 million in annual support to bring improved broadband service to rural America. The money is intended to help rural broadband providers deliver improved service to nearly 110,000 homes in rural communities...
Committee hopes to provide broadband throughout Lauderdale
Officials in Lauderdale County, AL are ramping up efforts to bring broadband access to more households. The county commission has set up a contract with Connected Nation to help develop a plan for access. A number of officials spoke on the issue, including County Commissioner Brad...
How Ventura County is working to increase broadband
A group of public and private entities and individuals are working to make sure Ventura County, CA is ready for "blazing fast" internet connectivity. In Ventura and Oxnard, "a consultant is exploring what it would take to a create a broadband master plan and develop a policy to en...