Broadband infrastructure is receiving unprecedented federal and state funding, creating opportunities for Texas businesses involved in broadband deployment, equipment manufacturing, and related services. At the same time, improved broadband access supports businesses across all sectors in rural and underserved areas. This guide covers the major broadband grant programs relevant to Texas businesses.
Federal Broadband Funding Programs
Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program
The BEAD program, established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, is the largest broadband funding program in U.S. history. Texas has been allocated significant BEAD funding to extend broadband to unserved and underserved areas. While BEAD funds flow through the state, they create substantial opportunities for:
- Internet service providers expanding coverage in Texas
- Construction companies building fiber and wireless infrastructure
- Equipment manufacturers and suppliers serving broadband deployments
- Engineering and design firms working on broadband projects
- Workforce training providers developing broadband installation technician programs
USDA ReConnect Program
The USDA ReConnect Program provides loans, grants, and loan-grant combinations for broadband deployment in eligible rural areas. Texas rural communities and the businesses serving them can benefit from ReConnect funding. Eligible applicants include cooperatives, nonprofits, for-profit companies, and tribal entities. Projects must serve areas where at least 50% of households lack sufficient broadband.
Digital Equity Programs
Federal Digital Equity Act programs fund digital inclusion activities including digital literacy training, device access, and technology support. These programs create opportunities for businesses providing training services, device refurbishment, and digital inclusion consulting.
FCC Programs
- E-Rate: Funding for broadband connectivity in schools and libraries, creating service provider opportunities.
- Rural Health Care Program: Broadband subsidies for rural healthcare providers.
- High-Cost Programs: Universal Service Fund support for broadband in high-cost rural areas.
Texas Broadband Programs
Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO)
The Texas Broadband Development Office, housed within the Texas Comptroller's office, administers the state's broadband deployment strategy and coordinates federal broadband funding including BEAD. The BDO develops the state's broadband plan, manages broadband mapping, and oversees subgrant programs that distribute federal funds to broadband providers in Texas.
Texas Capital Fund — Infrastructure
The Texas Capital Fund, administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture, can fund infrastructure improvements in rural communities that support broadband deployment and business development.
Opportunities for Broadband-Related Businesses
Service Providers
Internet service providers can access BEAD subgrants, USDA ReConnect funding, and FCC programs to expand coverage in unserved and underserved areas of Texas. The BEAD program in particular represents a generational funding opportunity for ISPs willing to serve difficult-to-reach areas.
Construction and Engineering
The scale of broadband deployment in Texas creates significant demand for fiber construction, tower building, trenching, and engineering services. Construction businesses can access workforce training grants through the Skills Development Fund to build broadband installation capacity.
Equipment and Manufacturing
Fiber optic cable, networking equipment, and broadband hardware manufacturers in Texas can benefit from increased demand driven by federal broadband funding. Manufacturing businesses can access the manufacturing sales tax exemption, property tax abatements, and workforce training grants.
Workforce Development
Broadband deployment is creating significant workforce demand for fiber technicians, tower climbers, network engineers, and project managers. Texas businesses can access:
- Skills Development Fund: Customized workforce training through community colleges.
- WIOA Programs: Federal workforce training funds through local workforce boards.
- Registered Apprenticeship: Apprenticeship programs for broadband installation and network technician roles.
- WOTC: Tax credits for hiring from targeted groups.
General Business Programs
Broadband businesses can also access standard Texas business incentive programs including SBA loans, R&D tax credits, HUB certification, and local property tax abatements.
Find Programs That May Fit Your Business
Texas broadband businesses can access both industry-specific and general business programs. Our free screening report checks your business against 150+ verified programs — grants, tax credits, loans, and incentives — and shows you which ones may match. Start your free screening →