This week, the Texas Broadband Bill (HB5) passed with strong bipartisan support, posing a sharp contrast to recent in-fighting between the parties over voting rights legislation that prompted a walkout by Democrats. In late March, the telecom bill was announced by Gov. Greg Abbott and received unanimous legislative committee backing from the onset, reported Texas Public Radio.
The bill, authored by Rep. Trent Ashby, establishes a budget and a Broadband Development Office, including forming a broadband development program and map. According to Texas Public Radio, the office will also establish a statewide broadband plan within one year of the bill becoming law (on September 1, 2021).
For several years, the idea of equitable broadband access has been gaining attention in the state, especially from an economic standpoint, and the pandemic only highlighted the importance of reliable access for those working and learning from home. Currently, two million Texans lack access to minimum download (25 Mbps) and upload speeds (3 Mbps) or don’t have service at all. Texas Public Radio reported that an additional three million residents are not subscribed to broadband service due to social and economic challenges.
In 2016, The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas recognized broadband internet as an “integral part of community development,” especially for low and moderate-income neighborhoods. The Federal Reserve Bank has invested in advancing connectivity as part of its obligations under the Community Reinvestment Act.
According to Texas Public Radio, rolling out greater broadband access will take several years and involve strategic planning and coordination, plus access to grant money. The state will also face complex challenges like educating rural communities in digital literacy, keeping services affordable, and implementing 5G.
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