Houston-area residents can voice their opinions on broadband access through an online survey launched by the Houston-Galveston Area Council that will be open through Jan. 5.
In a nutshell
The online survey asks residents questions such as how important broadband internet service in their area is and how well current broadband providers meet the needs. Survey participants also have the chance to provide any additional comments, questions or concerns they have regarding broadband service.
Survey participants are asked to limit participation to one person per household, according to the survey.
Zooming out
The H-GAC is a regional organization that involves local governments considering issues and cooperating in solving regional problems, according to its website. Its service region includes 13 counties:
- Austin
- Brazoria
- Chambers
- Colorado
- Fort Bend
- Galveston
- Harris
- Liberty
- Matagorda
- Montgomery
- Walker
- Waller
- Wharton
How we got here
In 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law, according to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. As part of that law, $42 billion in funding was allocated for internet access.
Of that $42 billion in funding, Texas is slated to receive $3.3 billion, according to the NTIA.
The H-GAC’s survey will help “pinpoint broadband access and adoption challenges, and will help develop action plans to successfully capture funding for our region's broadband improvement,” according to its website.
What else?
In November, Texas voters passed Proposition 8, which will create the Texas Broadband Infrastructure Fund to expand internet access statewide, Community Impact previously reported.
Get involved
Residents can take the survey by visiting www.h-gac.com/broadband.
