BEAD Program Impact Assessment for Texas

This technical report presents an assessment of the BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) program's impact on broadband availability in Texas as of January 2024. It outlines the number of unserved and underserved locations eligible for BEAD funding, indicating that approximately 861,000 locations lack high-speed broadband access. The report details the estimated funding allocated to Texas, which amounts to $3.3 billion, significantly higher than the state/territory average of $743 million. The document further explains the estimated total capital available for broadband deployment, which is projected to be $4.9 billion, combining BEAD funding and estimated provider match. Various deployment scenarios are discussed, including the prioritization of fiber deployment to maximize coverage while considering budget constraints. The report concludes with key findings on the trade-offs between maximizing fiber coverage and retaining funds for other eligible programs, emphasizing the need for Texas to determine its deployment strategy based on these assessments.