Top navigation skipped
Outreach: News and Events
Monthly Roundtables
(All times are in Central Time.)
- Nov. 26, at 3 p.m. - Industry Roundtable (Teams)
- Dec. 5, at 10 a.m. – Local Government and Community Roundtable (Teams)
- Nov. 26 – Challenge process rules, acceptable evidence and location files to be posted on the BDO’s website (possibly earlier)
- Nov. 27-29 – Texas Comptroller’s Office will be closed for Thanksgiving
- Dec. 3 – Texas BEAD Challenge Process begins
- Dec. 4 – Texas Challenge Process Webinar #3
- Dec. 24-27 – Texas Comptroller’s Office will be closed for Christmas
- Jan. 1 - Texas Comptroller’s Office will be closed for New Year's Day.
- Jan. 6 – Pole Replacement Program application window opens
- Jan. 8 – Texas Challenge Process Webinar #4
- Oct. 30 at 1 p.m. – Webinar recording
- Nov. 13 at 1 p.m. – Webinar recording
- Dec. 4 at 1 p.m. – Register for December 4th webinar
- Jan. 8 at 1 p.m. – Register for January 8th webinar
Upcoming Events
BEAD Challenge Process Webinars and Guidance Available
The Challenge Process is a crucial step in the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program that allows broadband stakeholders in Texas to be part of the ongoing effort to accurately represent location-level funding eligibility for the entire state. To ensure participants are well-equipped for success, the Broadband Development Office (BDO) is hosting a series of informative webinars throughout the Challenge Process.
These webinars will focus on the necessary steps and inputs required to file a challenge effectively. Use the links below to view past webinars and register for upcoming sessions:
In addition to these webinars, the BDO will conduct weekly virtual office hours every Thursday at 1 p.m., allowing prospective challengers to ask questions and seek additional guidance. No registration is required to attend office hours.
A dedicated helpline is available to provide further support throughout the Challenge Process and will be operational from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The helpline is intended to only support the Challenge Process operated by the Texas BDO.
The BDO’s BEAD Challenge Process helpline is: 855-TEX-BEAD (855-839-2323).
Visit the registration page to participate in the Challenge Process Webinar series and access guidance resources. Don’t miss this opportunity to ensure your voice is heard.
First Tranche of BOOT II Awardees Notified
The BDO is proud to announce it has notified the first tranche of awardees for its Bringing Online Opportunities to Texas (BOOT) II Program. This round of awards represents $580 million in funding, connecting almost 80,000 locations in 15 counties across the state. Awardees will be posted on the BDO’s website once grant agreements have been signed. The remaining applicants will be notified of awards in the coming weeks.
Texas Broadband Pole Replacement Program: Second NOFA Published with Applications Accepted in January 2025
The BDO has posted a second Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the Texas Broadband Pole Replacement Program, marking a key step forward in enhancing broadband infrastructure in the state. The office accepted written questions regarding the NOFA until Nov. 15 and expects to post answers on its website on or about Nov. 24, 2024. Applications for the program will be accepted starting in January 2025. Program details are available on the Pole Replacement Program webpage.
State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program (SDECGP) Application Awaiting Approval
The BDO applied to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) SDECGP on May 27, 2024. Once approved, Texas will be granted access to the allocated $55.6 million to implement digital opportunity initiatives identified in the Texas Digital Opportunity Plan (TDOP). The BDO will fund capacity-enabling programs to meet the needs of Texas' covered population. More information about how the BDO will utilize these funds will be provided soon.
Multi-dwelling Unit (MDU) Request for Information (RFI) Closes
The BDO's MDU RFI closed on Oct. 22, 2024, after collecting 51 responses. The BDO is currently reviewing these responses to guide its future initiatives.
The BDO sought to better understand the Texas landscape of broadband availability in MDUs, and the responses were intended to inform the office as it designs a program that will best address the broadband needs of MDU residents in Texas. Nonprofits, internet service providers, community-based organizations, housing authorities, property managers, local governments and other entities with knowledge of this topic were encouraged to provide responses to the questions included in the RFI.
Need assistance?
If your question is not addressed here, Email us.