U.S. Census Bureau data indicate almost 2.8 million Texas households and 7 million people lack broadband access. Twenty three percent of Texans have limited ability to attend online classes, see a healthcare provider from their living room, fill out a job application online, start a business or access online marketplaces from their kitchen table. These barriers negatively affect Texans’ quality of life and limit economic opportunities for people and the state overall.

According to a 2016 Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas report, this problem disproportionately affects rural communities, communities of color and low-income families. Since that report’s publication, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of technology for some but expanded the digital divide for others. The digital divide refers to the gap between those with broadband access and those without, whether caused by a lack of infrastructure, digital literacy, affordable service or access to devices.

In an effort to close this divide, the 87th Texas Legislature created the Broadband Development Office (BDO) at the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. The BDO is charged with broadband expansion, which includes establishing an official statewide plan for expanding access. The Legislature appropriated $5 million to the Comptroller to administer the program. Additionally, the American Rescue Plan Act enacted by the federal government has allocated $500.5 million to Texas for broadband expansion, while the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will allocate at least $100 million.

These combined state and federal dollars comprise a valuable resource, and our office is committed to using these funds as efficiently and effectively as possible. In March 2022, we launched the Texas Broadband Listening Tour, conducting regional town halls in 12 Texas communities so we could hear directly from Texans about their experiences with broadband. These stories, some of which appear in this report, are powerful and moving. Additionally, we issued an open invitation to all Texans to participate in a public broadband survey — available online, in print and via telephone in both English and Spanish. At the time of publication, more than 16,000 Texans have used our survey to share their broadband experiences.

Sentiment has been consistent: slow data speeds, unreliable access, affordability and coordination are critical areas of concern for Texas families, businesses, educators and farmers. An important, recurring theme has been the reminder that though high-speed internet may once have been a luxury, it is now a necessity. Texans need reliable, high-speed connectivity for public health, safety, education and modern agriculture.