State seeking comments on Texas Digital Opportunity Plan

Texans have less than one week left to provide input on the Texas Digital Opportunity Plan, which was designed to address broadband access, affordability and adoptions for those across the state.

The Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO), under the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, developed the plan to complement broadband infrastructure programs underway in the state such as the Bringing Online Opportunities to Texas (BOOT) program and the state’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.

Those in the state have until Friday, Jan. 5 to give their options on the plan by visiting broadbandfortexas.com/tdop. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will make a record of your comment available online.

“The Texas Digital Opportunity Plan will allow more Texans to access technology and thrive,” said Greg Conte, Director of the Texas Broadband Development Office. “We know that starts with improving broadband (or high-speed internet) adoption, device access and digital skills training, but we want to hear more from community members most in need.”

On the website is the full plan and public comment form available for those responding on behalf of a state resident or organization.

Comments can be made for one of the seven chapters included within the plan.

Five goals are listed in the plan, the first of which is to have access to reliable, affordable broadband internet service at home.

This will be accomplished by increasing the percentage of those with reliable broadband subscriptions available, decreasing the percentage of individuals who cited cost as a barrier and increasing the percentage of those who are aware of low-cost or subsidized internet service options.

The second goal is to provide access to affordable computers and other internet-enabled devices in their home, with technical support services.

This will be accomplished by increasing the percentage of those who have home access to affordable internet-enabled devices other than a smartphone. Additionally, it will be completed by increasing the access to technical support for those with internet-enabled devices.

The third goal is to give all a broad foundation of digital literacy skills and access to digital skills and development programs.

This will be accomplished by increasing the percentage of those with basic digital literacy skills, increasing the availability of digital literacy programs and services and increasing the percentage of workers who have the level of digital skills training jobs require.

The fourth goal is to provide those in the state with safety online and a familiarity with cybersecurity and online privacy measures.

This will be accomplished by increasing the percentage of those who are familiar with cybersecurity and online privacy measures.  

The fifth goal is to increase the percentage of those who utilize the internet for public resources and services.

This will be accomplished by increasing the percentage of those who utilize and understand how to use the internet for public resources and services.

According to U.S. Census Bureau data, almost 2.8 million households and seven million people in the state lack access to broadband or high-speed internet.

“Access to reliable, high-speed internet as a means of advancing education, training, employment opportunities, healthcare, and delivery of essential services is critical to the future of our state,” said Glenn Hegar, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. “But we know that we can’t do this without partners in the regions and the communities that need this service the most. Your input, passion and local knowledge will help us ensure the Texas Digital Opportunity Plan establishes a clear roadmap to bridge the digital divide and promote digital opportunities for all Texans.”