One of Texas' greatest economic development challenges is broadband access. An estimated 7 million Texans don't have access to high-speed internet. The problem is particularly acute in the state's rural areas.
The Affordable Connectivity Program provides a $30 monthly subsidy to help low-income households pay for internet service. The program is slated to run out of money at the end of the month. Full Story
A historic $3.3 billion federal investment in broadband could connect millions of Texans to the internet. But getting the money to the right hands could be a challenge. Full Story
The legislation behind the historic investment directs state agencies to send money to the state’s smaller, cash-strapped towns that have difficulty paying for upgrades. Federal money is also expected to flow to regions that need broadband. Full Story
Texans are being asked to cut property taxes, create a new fund for water infrastructure and give child-care facilities a tax exemption among other propositions. Here’s a breakdown of each constitutional amendment and what you need to know to vote. Full Story
At stake in next week’s constitutional amendment election is $13 billion in infrastructure spending. Supporters say it’s an opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime investment. Full Story
Grant applicants are required to have a line of credit from a major bank and put up 25% of the project cost ahead of time. That will likely disqualify many small internet service providers in rural areas. Full Story
The federal money will be added to the $1.5 billion investment made by state lawmakers this session to increase broadband availability across Texas. Full Story
Texas Rural Funders hopes a one-stop resource for grant applications and writers could help small towns win money to fund innovation and capital needs. Full Story
On the eve of a historic investment in connecting the Lone Star State, advocates worry maps that will help establish which communities get funding have bad information. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/380592600268fa7955ad03e1b520334b/Edingburg%20Telephone%20Pole%20TT.jpg)
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/a2eacd93ed86c5da733935c0f9f14b5a/0320%20Rural%20WiFi%20MF%2005%20TT.jpg)
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/72012e4a9391d7e563da51bf37b90ca0/0410%20Zavalla%20Water%20MF%20TT%2028.jpg)
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/363237efed836addd4cda2917d21c442/San%20Marcos%20Election%20Day%20JV%20TT%2023.jpg)
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/b333cd691d093f5b179816b2714bc86b/Regency%20Water%20Crisis%20EL%20TT%2015.jpg)
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/e9c4a44b547a301cb379cfa821b69c81/0725%20Rural%20WiFi%20MF%20TT%2003.jpg)
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/fe5cc10ca4afdcd3055782c3be56089a/0320%20Rural%20WiFi%20MF%2003%20TT.jpg)
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/8cd484304d9a04489f1366dbde9b48b7/0320%20Rural%20WiFi%20MF%2004%20TT.jpg)
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/35a0663d10c052a13ea2b1a0f38b9f67/120308_lubbock_0190.jpg)