State Capacity Building:

At the direction of the state, this project will leverage the work of the established Texas Broadband Task Force; seek input from experts from governmental agencies, nonprofits and trade associations; and assess current programs and laws/regulations that can be used to overcome impediments to broadband growth and adoption.

Technical Assistance:

This project will conduct local research in the second year of the program and state research in the fourth year, both regarding the barriers to broadband availability and adoption. Connected Texas will work with a university in the state to peer review the results and conclusions from this research before presenting it publicly.

Local Regional Technology Planning Teams:

In coordination with the TDA State Broadband Coordinator and the Texas Broadband Task Force, Connected Texas will work with the Texas Councils of Governments (COGs) and establish approximately 29 planning teams at a regional or local level. The 24 COGs and local officials for the additional five planning teams will assist in selecting the regional champion. Each COG’s team will conduct regular meetings throughout the first two years of the project to establish benchmarks, goals, and a strategic plan. Both planning teams and the Texas Broadband Task Force will participate in annual statewide strategic planning meetings to share best practices and identify and resolve any new barriers or challenges.

Data Collection, Integration, and Validation:

This project was originally funded for broadband planning activities and two years of data collection. In September of 2010, this project was amended to extend data collection activities for an additional three years and to identify and implement best practices.