NEWTON — A substantial investment of approximately one billion federal dollars is set to enhance high-speed internet access in Deep East Texas. The pressing challenge now lies in ensuring that residents can effectively utilize these new resources.
The Deep East Texas Council of Governments has established the Pineywoods Broadband Coalition, aimed at fostering technology education and workforce development throughout the region. This initiative aligns with a broader statewide effort to improve internet access and technological literacy in rural areas.
“Prior to this initiative, around 50% of our region lacked adequate high-speed broadband service. We are beginning to see a significant shift in that statistic, which is encouraging,” stated Connor Sadro, the broadband director for the council.
The quality of internet service varies widely across different communities. While some areas enjoy seamless connectivity, allowing residents to make video calls and stream content, others struggle with basic tasks such as loading websites on their devices. This disparity severely restricts access to essential services like telehealth and remote employment opportunities.
The coming years hold the potential for transformative changes. As connectivity improves, Sadro is focused on empowering individuals who have previously been offline to navigate the internet with confidence. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of preparing for the physical challenges that may arise from infrastructure upgrades and ensuring the local workforce is equipped for the influx of job opportunities that enhanced connectivity will bring.
Initially, this initiative will not impose any costs on the council, as it will leverage existing resources and volunteer support. However, as plans progress, additional funding may be necessary, prompting leaders to pursue local, state, and federal grants to cover expenses.
The coalition’s first initiative, aimed at digital navigation and adoption, will provide training for individuals who have never owned a laptop. This program will teach essential computer skills, including troubleshooting, starting devices, and navigating telehealth appointments and video chats.
The second initiative focuses on coordinating infrastructure and funding efforts to address the physical challenges associated with broadband expansion.
The grants received for high-speed internet encompass various access types, including fiber optics and satellite options like Starlink. While satellite connections may not significantly impact existing infrastructure, the installation of fiber optics will require extensive ground excavation, which can lead to disruptions.
Expanding fiber optic networks has already resulted in damage to aging water and gas lines, many of which date back to the 1970s. The second initiative aims to bring together infrastructure experts to map current utility lines, minimizing the risk of further complications during installations.
The third initiative centers on economic development and workforce growth. Successfully connecting the entire region could unlock thousands of job opportunities, ranging from fiber optic technicians to roles requiring online certifications.
<p“If we successfully bridge the digital divide in this region, addressing the 50% underserved and unserved population, we could create around 10,000 new jobs,” Sadro remarked.
The coalition’s formation coincided with the council’s celebration of completing the first phase of a larger regional broadband network, which began in Newton County. This network is projected to extend across six counties, with the initial phase expected to conclude by the end of November, according to Lonnie Hunt, executive director of DETCOG.
<p“More than half of the individuals benefiting from this project will come from low-to-moderate income households,” Hunt added.
This initial phase carries a price tag of approximately $9 million, funded by a $51 million grant from the Texas General Land Office and a matching contribution from the T.L.L. Temple Foundation, which serves East Texas. The remaining $42 million will be released only after the next two phases are contracted, Sadro noted.
The Newton project is one among several ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity, initiated after a broadband study conducted by the council in 2019. This study has been instrumental in shaping the region’s strategies for expanding high-speed internet access and bolstering grant applications.
The coalition was proposed and approved during a board meeting held by the council in October, comprising community leaders such as city council members and county judges from 11 counties.
Sadro expresses hope that this diverse group of leaders will either take charge or recommend qualified candidates to guide the region through these significant infrastructure transitions.
