2024 Key Dates and Upcoming Events (All times are Central Time.)

Monthly Roundtables

• Nov. 26, at 3 p.m. – Industry Roundtable (Teams)
• Dec. 5, at 10 a.m. – Local Government and Community Roundtable (Teams)

Upcoming Events

• Nov. 26 – Challenge process rules, acceptable evidence and location files to be posted on the BDO’s website
• Nov. 27-29 – Texas Comptroller’s Office closed for Thanksgiving
• Dec. 3 – Texas BEAD Challenge Process begins
• Dec. 4 – Texas Challenge Process Webinar #3
• Dec. 24-27 – Texas Comptroller’s Office closed for Christmas
• Jan. 1 – Texas Comptroller’s Office closed for New Year’s Day
• Jan. 6 – Pole Replacement Program application window opens
• Jan. 8 – Texas Challenge Process Webinar #4

BEAD Challenge Process Webinars and Guidance Available

The Challenge Process is a crucial step in the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program that allows broadband stakeholders in Texas to be part of the ongoing effort to accurately represent location-level funding eligibility for the entire state. To ensure participants are well-equipped for success, the Broadband Development Office (BDO) is hosting a series of informative webinars throughout the Challenge Process.

These webinars will focus on the necessary steps and inputs required to file a challenge effectively. Use the links below to view past webinars and register for upcoming sessions:

• Oct. 30, 2024 – Webinar recording
• Nov. 13, 2024 – Webinar recording
• Dec. 4, 2024, at 1 p.m. – Register for webinar
• Jan. 8, 2025, at 1 p.m. – Register for webinar

In addition to these webinars, the BDO will conduct weekly virtual office hours every Thursday at 1 p.m., allowing prospective challengers to ask questions and seek additional guidance. No registration is required to attend office hours.

A dedicated helpline is available to provide further support throughout the Challenge Process and will be operational from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The helpline is intended to only support the Challenge Process operated by the Texas BDO.

The BDO’s BEAD Challenge Process helpline is: 855-TEX-BEAD (855-839-2323).

Visit the registration page to participate in the Challenge Process Webinar series and access guidance resources. Don’t miss this opportunity to ensure your voice is heard.

First Tranche of BOOT II Awardees Notified

The BDO is proud to announce it has notified the first tranche of awardees for its Bringing Online Opportunities to Texas (BOOT) II Program. This round of awards represents $580 million in funding, connecting almost 80,000 locations in 15 counties across the state. Awardees will be posted on the BDO’s website once grant agreements have been signed. The remaining applicants will be notified of awards in the coming weeks.

Texas Broadband Pole Replacement Program: Second NOFA Published with Applications Accepted in January 2025

The BDO has posted a second Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the Texas Broadband Pole Replacement Program, marking a key step forward in enhancing broadband infrastructure in the state. The office accepted written questions regarding the NOFA until Nov. 15 and expects to post answers on its website on or about Nov. 24, 2024. Applications for the program will be accepted starting in January 2025. Program details are available on the Pole Replacement Program webpage.