By Julie Tomascik
Editor

A multibillion-dollar federal effort is underway to expand internet access to every home in the U.S.

President Joe Biden announced a $42 billion plan to make high-speed broadband access universally available across the country by 2030.

“It’s the biggest investment in high-speed internet ever,” Biden said in a statement. “Because for today’s economy to work for everyone, internet access is just as important as electricity, or water or other basic services.”

The funds will be divided up between the states, and Texas is set to receive $3.3 billion—the most out of any state.

A report from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that details gaps in access was used to determine the amount of funds each state received.

“These investments will help all Americans,” Biden said. “High-speed internet isn’t a luxury anymore. It’s become an absolute necessity.”

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted that critical need and lack of internet access across rural areas, especially in Texas.

With the drastic decline in primary care physicians throughout rural America, broadband access is important for rural medical facilities, because it allows medical personnel to consult with specialists on test results, diagnoses and treatments.

It’s also important for education and staying connected and updated on news and information.

In the Lone Star State, about 7.7 million Texans across nearly 3 million households lack broadband, according to the Texas Broadband Development Office. About 85% of those who lack high-speed internet live in rural areas.

“The digital divide restricts access to education, health care and business resources. But it also limits farmers and ranchers from using the latest technology and accessing resources online to help repair equipment or find parts that are needed,” Regan Beck, Texas Farm Bureau Director of Government Affairs, said. “Farmers and ranchers must have broadband access to be more efficient, economical and responsive to market needs.”

The $42 billion is available through the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program that Congress approved as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by Biden in 2021.

The program also includes $2 billion for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Reconnect Program that provides loans and grants to build broadband infrastructure in eligible rural areas. In addition to that, $14 billion in funding is available for the Affordable Connectivity Program, which makes broadband access more affordable for eligible households nationwide, and $2 billion for Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program.

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