WHO WE ARE
Texas Rural Broadband Coalition (TRBC) strives to create a better future for rural Texas by creating opportunities to expand the access to and the use of broadband in rural communities. We believe that all Texans, no matter the size of their community, should have dependable and affordable access to high-speed internet. TRBC was formed to expand broadband internet service to every rural county in Texas. We see broadband as the equivalent to rural electrification. It is critical to commerce and education. Dependable broadband will help to bridge the inequality of access to information and opportunity.
The COVID-19 crisis brought to light the major disparities rural Texans experience in accessing highspeed internet for remote education, work, and healthcare. Having reliable internet access is a basic need. High speed broadband access in rural Texas will bring benefits to education, telemedicine, economic development, and agriculture. Broadband will help communities attract companies and jobs and keep established companies from leaving town and help them grow. Dependable broadband will also help younger people to stay in their hometowns or come back after college as well as help attract new residents.
The future of Texas depends on well-connected, successful and strong rural communities. Having the infrastructure to stay connected is critical. Texas Rural Broadband Coalition is dedicated to working with rural communities to develop and implement solutions to the unique challenges they face.
ABOUT TX BROADBAND
Texas is one of only six states without a statewide broadband plan and office. Our state will be at a major disadvantage when competing for funding from the $635 million for USDA’s ReConnect program to help fund rural broadband infrastructure that was included in a Congressional omnibus package for fiscal year 2021 appropriations if we don’t have a plan.
The rural population in Texas is larger than the population of 18 states combined. It has been estimated that $110 million would allow 60% of households in 12-counties of rural Texas to have internet access. Just that one region of rural Texas alone would need one-third of the dollars allocated for all of rural America. It is imperative that Texas create a state broadband plan so that we are able to accept any federal funding that becomes available to us. Texas is 12 years behind Arkansas when it comes to providing dependable and affordable internet access to our rural communities. Join the Texas Rural Broadband Coalition.