The state of Texas has officially released its Broadband Development Map detailing the availability of high speed internet across the Lone Star State. In preparing the map, information was gathered from numerous internet service providers and compiled by the Comptroller’s office. Texas’ Broadband Development Office has been tasked with updating the map twice per year.
“We are committed to regularly updating the state map,” confirmed Comptroller Glenn Hegar, “so it reflects recent and accurate data. There will be multiple opportunities to challenge the accuracy of the data, and I encourage the public, stakeholders and legislators, as well as service providers and other vendors, to engage with us on the Texas map so we have the most accurate information available.”
Texas state law defines a designated area as eligible for broadband funding if less than 80 percent of serviceable locations can access internet speeds of 25 megabits per second (Mbps) downstream and 3 mbps upstream. The new maps compared the service advertised by the ISPs versus the service actually measurable in a given area.
“The FCC’s current definition of high-speed internet as 25/3 mbps is becoming rapidly obsolete,” stated Hegar. “One of the things we learned talking to stakeholders around the state last year was that to be truly competitive, communities need internet that is faster than the FCC’s definition of high-speed broadband. For that reason, we designed the map to show coverage at various speeds. We also heard that reliability was a constant concern for certain types of technology, so we want to show stakeholders and lawmakers what type of technology is available in their areas. This functionality will be crucial as lawmakers and the BDO work to prioritize funding in the coming year.”
The new Texas Broadband Development Map can be viewed here.
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