AUSTIN, Texas – Spectrum’s recent investment has given a boost to the slow process of expanding broadband internet services into rural areas of Texas.
High-speed internet remains unavailable to around seven million people in Texas, according to estimates.
Mike Matson, the VP of Field Operations at Spectrum, emphasized the significance of this development for the communities in East Texas. According to Matson, this region is among the most underserved areas in the entire country.
As part of a federal program initiated in 2020, Spectrum is making efforts to connect approximately 133,000 individuals in East Texas, in an effort to decrease the number of people without internet access.
Matson expressed that the current project in Texas is massive and he believes it to be unprecedented.
Matson has revealed that the fiber being installed will be enough to circle the state of Texas twice and the entire globe. It is estimated that the project will cost over half a billion dollars.
Matson stated that the rural digital opportunity in Texas requires a substantial investment of $586 million. The FCC and a grant are providing approximately $186 million, while Spectrum is covering the remaining cost of the build, which will exceed $400 million.
Spectrum crews have been busy installing cable lines, cutting through woods, ranches, and even marshes, as evidenced by video footage provided to FOX 7 Austin.
Matson shared that they had spent time with line crews who were climbing through a difficult-to-reach easement area. The crews had to wear leg covers that were designed to protect them from snake bites.
Spectrum’s project in East Texas is scheduled for completion by 2028.
Matson expressed his satisfaction with the current progress, stating, “We’re well ahead of schedule at the moment.”
The State Comptroller’s Office has established the Texas Broadband Development Office to assist in narrowing the digital divide. Recently, the office has declared a $12 million grant program aimed at linking roughly 1,800 locations throughout Texas.