East Texas Broadband Initiative
The Recovery Act appropriated $7.2 billion and directed the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) to expand broadband access to un-served and underserved communities across the U.S., increase jobs, spur investments in technology and infrastructure, and provide long-term economic benefits.
ETCOG is currently in the grant application process to seek funds to provide the “middle mile” for high speed connectivity to remote, un-served and underserved areas of the fourteen county region. Broadband infrastructure capacity, connectivity and services at rural health clinics, in ambulances, public computer centers, emergency facilities, libraries, rural workforce development offices, community centers and senior centers will be more accessible with the award of this grant. The grant application is due March 26, 2010.
Broadband Infrastructure for East Texas means:
- Reduced Expense: Access to high speed of data streams at very low cost.
- Improved Competitive Edge: Access to regional and global markets
- Attractive Business Proposition: Broadband connectivity in addition to abundance of low cost land and labor provides an excellent incentive for businesses to locate in East Texas
- Enhanced Tax Base: Realization of additional revenues due to increased business activity
- Increase in Job Creation: More business activity in East Texas means more jobs
- Enhanced Safety: Faster access to critical information during emergencies
- Improved Health Solutions: Access to advanced health solutions such as telemedicine, robotic technology, remote triage, etc., and best medical techniques to rural communities
- Higher Learning and Education: Access to the halls of higher learning through tele-campuses of various Universities. Students will be better prepared for the job market and telecommute to Universities across the nation
- Effective Governance: Ability for elected officials and public administrators to provide access to public services around the clock through online services and work order management solutions
Project Overview
Sample Support Letter
Concept Map
Frequently Asked Questions