Texas Passes Broadband Pole Replacement Bill
Texas lawmakers voted Thursday to amend certain rules for its utility pole replacement program, which now awaits action from Gov. Greg Abbott (R). The House voted 111-31 in favor of SB-1405, which would require the comptroller to publish data annually on the number of applications received, reimbursement amounts and the estimated funding available from the preceding fiscal year. ISPs would need to have available speeds of 100/20 Mbps to be eligible for funding.
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The bill would also direct the state broadband development office to establish a program for awarding contracts, grants and other financial incentives to expand broadband access and adoption. Funding can be used for middle-mile infrastructure, outreach and education, telehealth and equipment purchases. Grants awarded through the program would be published with "incremental completion status and any other information the office considers relevant." Established in 2023, the program has provided ISPs and pole owners with more than $28 million in reimbursements to speed deployment in rural and unserved areas, according to an online program dashboard.