Texas House Bill HR412

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Caption

Recognizing February 28, 2023, as Texas Rural Broadband Day at the State Capitol.

Impact

The bill's recognition of Texas Rural Broadband Day underscores the need for improved telecommunications infrastructure in rural Texas areas. By acknowledging TTA's services, the resolution seeks to draw attention to the challenges faced by rural providers in delivering reliable broadband access. This is particularly relevant as the state aims to close the digital divide that affects rural communities, which often lack the same level of connectivity as urban centers. The resolution invites additional legislative attention to this issue, potentially influencing future policies or funding directed toward rural broadband expansion.

Summary

H.R. 412 is a resolution recognizing February 28, 2023, as Texas Rural Broadband Day at the State Capitol. The bill highlights the contributions of the Texas Telephone Association (TTA), which represents local exchange telephone companies in Texas. It emphasizes the vital role these companies have played in providing voice and data services to rural areas, noting that they serve approximately 1.4 million households and 2,200 educational and governmental institutions. This resolution aims to commend TTA for its ongoing efforts to connect rural Texans, especially in times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic and Winter Storm Uri.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding H.R. 412 is overwhelmingly positive, reflecting a broad agreement among legislators regarding the importance of rural broadband access. Supporters of the bill laud the TTA for its historic role in ensuring connectivity for rural Texans and recognize the association's dedication during emergency situations. This collective acknowledgment fosters a spirit of cooperation among stakeholders invested in improving telecommunications infrastructure and access in underserved areas.

Contention

While generally well-received, there may be underlying concerns regarding the pace and extent of rural broadband development efforts. Discussions may arise around the effectiveness of current initiatives and whether existing policies sufficiently address the disparities faced by rural communities. Stakeholders might debate the best strategies to enhance services and ensure equitable access to technology, thus continuing to spotlight disparities in broadband access between urban and rural Texas.