Digital divide

County judge asks public to participate in state survey to expand rural broadband

  • Lampasas County is one of hundreds of rural areas seeking better broadband connectivity. County Judge Randy Hoyer has invited residents to complete a survey to help bring faster service to the area. MONIQUE BRAND | DISPATCH RECORD
    Lampasas County is one of hundreds of rural areas seeking better broadband connectivity. County Judge Randy Hoyer has invited residents to complete a survey to help bring faster service to the area. MONIQUE BRAND | DISPATCH RECORD

    The Texas Legislature is getting closer to passing a bill that will expand broadband access in the state.

    House Bill 5 passed unanimously in the Texas House on April 9. The $2 billion bill went to the Texas Senate, where it is expected to be assigned to a hearing committee before coming to a joint conference.

    If HB 5 passes, lawmakers will have a year to produce a plan outlining where broadband is nā€¦