By Shelby Shank
Field Editor

Broadband access is a necessity that many rural Texans still lack.

U.S. Reps. August Pfluger (R-Texas) and Debbie Dingell (D-Michigan) introduced the PROTOCOL Act, which aims to improve the mapping process of broadband funding. It also enhances the interagency coordination when awarding broadband funding grants.

“As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I am working to ensure proper oversight over the billions of dollars being spent to close the digital divide across America,” Pfluger said. “With over 130 broadband programs being funded across 15 agencies in the federal government, the PROTOCOL Act is necessary to ensure that broadband infrastructure awards are reaching communities who desperately need access.”

The lack of coordination between the agencies risks leaving unserved communities, like rural Texas, without access to basic broadband services.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical need and lack of internet access across rural areas, especially in Texas. According to the Texas Comptroller’s Office, there are nearly 3 million Texans who don’t have broadband access.

Pfluger noted the 11th District of Texas, one of the most underserved in the state, would benefit from this legislation.

Broadband access is crucial to connecting people to essential services like rural medical facilities, as well as educational resources and staying updated on news and information.

The PROTOCOL Act would improve and align the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Broadband Deployment Locations Map with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Broadband Infrastructure Funding Database.

If enacted, the bill would request non-mandatory reports on state-based programs for inclusion in the NTIA database and FCC map.

It would also require other federal agencies to use the new FCC map when awarding broadband infrastructure funding.

“Expanding strong broadband internet access is critical to bringing our infrastructure into the 21st Century, and we must continue working to ensure connectivity is available to our communities who need it the most,” Dingell said. “The PROTOCOL Act will ensure people across the country, regardless of zip code, have access to the opportunity broadband provides by improving the mapping process for broadband funding and bettering coordination when funding is awarded.”

Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) supports efforts to increase broadband and cellular access in rural communities. TFB continues to work with Congress to include funding for rural broadband.

“Access to rural broadband is critical for farmers, ranchers and rural communities to be more efficient, economical and responsive to market needs,” Laramie Adams, TFB associate director of Government Affairs, said.