East Texas Broadband: $51 Million Grant Unlocks Next Phase

A $51 million grant from the Texas General Land Office and a matching contribution from the T.L.L. Temple Foundation will fund the construction of a regional broadband network in deep East Texas. The funding covers the installation of high-speed internet infrastructure, including fiber optics and satellite systems, across a six-county area.

The Deep East Texas Council of Governments, known as DETCOG, manages the project. Lonnie Hunt, the council’s executive director, stated that the first phase of the buildout is scheduled for completion by the end of November. This initial stage costs approximately $9 million. The remaining $42 million in grant funds is contingent on the bidding process for the next two phases.

The region’s connectivity status changed after a 2019 broadband study identified widespread service gaps. Connor Sadro, the council’s broadband director, noted that 50% of the region was previously underserved or unserved by high-speed broadband. He reported that the situation is improving as new connections come online.

The council’s board of directors approved the creation of the Pineywoods Broadband Coalition during a meeting in October. The board includes city council members and county judges from 11 counties. The coalition was formed to address the workforce and infrastructure challenges associated with the new connectivity.

The coalition will focus on three areas. First, it will provide digital navigation training for residents who have limited experience with personal computers. This training will cover basic operations, such as charging devices and troubleshooting, as well as using telehealth and video chat platforms.

Second, the group will coordinate infrastructure planning to mitigate physical damage to existing utilities. Fiber optic installation requires digging, which has already caused disruptions to water and gas lines installed in the 1970s. Experts will map current utility lines to reduce the risk of further damage during construction.

Third, the coalition will target economic development and workforce readiness. Sadro stated that closing the connectivity gap could make 10,000 jobs available in the region. These positions include fiber optic splicers and roles for individuals pursuing online certifications. The coalition will initially use existing resources and volunteers, seeking local, state, and federal grants for future costs.

Hunt noted that more than half of the households served by the project are low-to-moderate income. The network expansion represents a shift in the region’s infrastructure, moving from isolated connectivity issues to a coordinated regional system.