Hays County has a connectivity problem. The pandemic shined a bright spotlight on the fact that far too many families and businesses simply have no or very limited access to broadband. Some estimates show that more than 4,600 Hays County residents are underserved in terms of broadband.
In today’s world, where everything from commerce to education happens online, that puts our rural families and businesses at a steep disadvantage.
Having served as an employee and now a commissioner in Hays County for more than a decade, it’s been my honor to work with many in our community as we try to ensure that each investment made in the county is one that prepares us for new opportunities. Throughout this period of tremendous growth, many of the educational and employment opportunities that have come to Hays County require significant investments in infrastructure. One area that requires special attention is the growing need for additional, responsible investments in broadband.
In our cities and suburban areas, private internet providers have stepped up and are continually investing in broadband infrastructure and future- proofing networks. Areas like Buda, Kyle and San Marcos have fast, reliable broadband service, often from multiple providers. These areas do not have an access issue. The roadblocks preventing people from getting online in these areas are often due to affordability.
Right now, the Texas Broadband Development Office is accepting applications to fund the deployment of internet service to rural areas that need it, and the Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program (“ACP”) offers $30 per month voucher for low-income families. More than 7,000 families here in Hays County are already benefiting from ACP, but many more are eligible. At the federal level, $2.75 billion will be allocated to states to support information technology participation. Texas’ allocation from this funding pool will be dedicated to support programs that will strengthen Texans’ digital literacy and skills.
As we address broadband access issues, we must make sure we do not divert our local taxpayer funds to build broadband infrastructure in areas that already have it.
The efforts that our state and federal governments have undertaken are making a real difference toward ensuring people have access to broadband. It’s important that we continue to support their efforts in providing broadband to rural and unserved families, because these types of smart investments, combined with meaningful digital skills training and ACP, will help us solve the connectivity problem.
Lon A. Shell Hays County Commissioner, Pct. 3
