Fort Bend County Takes Next Steps Towards Broadband Expansion

As Fort Bend County continues to lay out plans to expand broadband services and increase access to reliable internet, residents can now connect to the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) new National Broadband Map via the County’s website.

Last year, County Judge KP George and Commissioners approved a measure to conduct a Broadband Feasibility Study to better understand the current levels of internet service available in Fort Bend County and identify areas in need of improved infrastructure.

“The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the importance of having home internet access, for our workforce, businesses, schools, students, teachers, and parents,” stated Judge KP George. “This effort will help address internet availability challenges and bridge the digital divide in underserved and unincorporated areas in Fort Bend County.”

The passage of the Federal bipartisan billion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act bill in 2021 allocated a total of $65 billion for broadband improvements. Funding includes over $42 billion for a new Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program focused on connecting underserved areas by providing money through state grants.

All 50 states were charged with allocating initial funding totaling $100 million, with additional funding to be distributed based on coverage by the National Broadband Map put out by the (FCC). The Map is currently available to residents for their input through a Public Challenge Process.

Residents can now visit the Broadband Data Collection website to view their home or business data and submit a challenge if there are inaccuracies in either the location information (their address) or availability of coverage listed (service at the address).

For more information on how to submit a Public Challenge, Fort Bend residents can visit https://www.fbctx.gov/broadband-project or https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov/home. 

Source: Fort Bend County