The Deep East Texas Council of Governments has launched the Pineywoods Broadband Coalition to promote technology education and workforce development. Roughly a billion federal dollars are going to the region to expand high-speed internet. Texas had expected more than $3 billion for broadband access and is now receiving $1.2 billion.
Connor Sadro, the council's broadband director, said that before the work began, 50% of the region was underserved or unserved with high-speed broadband. Internet access varies widely by community. Some residents can make video calls and stream movies, while others can barely load websites, which limits access to telehealth and remote work.
The coalition's first initiative will offer digital navigation and training, including for people who have never owned a laptop. The second will coordinate infrastructure and funding to address physical impacts of broadband build-outs. Sadro said the council has the resources and volunteers to start the work at no cost, and leaders would seek local, state and federal grants if funding is needed later.