903-218-6400
3800 Stone Road
Kilgore, TX 75662
BROADBAND SOLUTIONS
FOR EAST TEXAS
Rural Broadband Funding Solutions
Since 2009, ETCOG has been actively pursuing rural broadband funding solutions for East Texas. In 2019, ETCOG was awarded $375,000 by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to support the development of a regional broadband strategic plan for its 14-county region. This initiative laid the groundwork for future broadband expansion across the region.
Our Strategy
Through the East Texas Economic Development District (ETEDD), ETCOG worked to create a long-term broadband strategy that enhances economic development, fosters job growth, and improves infrastructure to elevate the quality of life in our communities. With the $375,000 EDA grant and an additional $161,000 in local matching funds, ETCOG launched the Broadband Strategic Planning Initiative in 2020. The project was guided by our broadband consultants TDC2 and Design 9. Together, we took a grassroots approach and went county-by-county to develop detailed plans that identify key broadband needs in our region.
County-by-County Approach and Progress
ETCOG's approach has been deeply rooted in collaboration with local stakeholders. We worked with city and county elected officials, economic development corporations, business leaders, and broadband providers with each county to identify the most pressing broadband needs and create prioritized project plans. The result? Broadband plans have been completed for 13 of our 14 counties, resulting in 65 broadband projects planned for East Texas! Each county’s plan highlights three to six top-rated projects, along with detailed budgets to guide implementation. Check out your county's report below.
Next Steps: Grant Matching for County Projects
With the county plans now completed, ETCOG is focused on the next critical phase: securing grants to match the funding needed for as many projects as possible. By pursuing a variety of funding sources, ETCOG is committed to seeking funding solutions for the proposed projects, and assisting with bringing high-speed internet access to underserved and rural areas of East Texas.
Regional Broadband Plans
Download your county's broadband plan!
| Broadband Study Completed | Projects Identified & Planning Completed | Total Projects Planned | Cost Estimate for Implementation | Governing Body Adoption | Finalized Report | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson | ✔ | ✔ | 6 | $21,755,108 | Amended July 31, 2023 | Anderson County Study & Action Plan |
| Camp | ✔ | ✔ | 5 | $2,503,274 | November 30, 2022 | Camp County Study & Action Plan |
| Cherokee | ✔ | ✔ | 3 | $11,202,137 | February 28, 2023 | Cherokee County Study & Action Plan |
| Gregg | ✔ | ✔ | 5 | $2,675,619 | July 18, 2022 | Gregg County Study & Action Plan |
| Harrison | ✔ | ✔ | 6 | $20,638,525 | August 30, 2022 | Harrison County Study & Action Plan |
| Henderson | ✔ | ✔ | 6 | $24,031,297 | May 7, 2024 | Henderson County Study & Action Plan |
| Marion | ✔ | ✔ | 5 | $3,717,086 | April 10, 2023 | Marion County Study & Action Plan |
| Panola | ✔ | ✔ | 6 | $22,321,912 | August 29, 2023 | Panola County Study & Action Plan |
| Rains | ✔ | ✔ | 6 | $3,916,546 | October 27, 2022 | Rains County Study & Action Plan |
| Rusk | ✔ | ✔ | 6 | $14,975,706 | December 20, 2022 | Rusk County Study & Action Plan |
| Smith - Whitehouse | ✔ | ✔ | 1 | $2,497,013 | December 12, 2023 | Smith County Study & Action Plan |
| Upshur | ✔ | No Projects | 0 | $0 | NA | Upshur County Broadband Study |
| Van Zandt | ✔ | ✔ | 6 | $37,566,827 | November 23, 2022 | Van Zandt County Study & Action Plan |
| Wood | ✔ | ✔ | 4 | $683,762 | January 24, 2023 | Wood County Study & Action Plan |
| TOTALS | 65 | $168,484,762 |
Completed Planning in All 14 Counties
Data Collection
Information has been collected on the availability and capacity of all internet service providers in the region. Mapping of available infrastructure is completed in all counties.
County Plans Approved
Broadband plans have been completed for 13 of our 14 counties, resulting in 65 broadband projects planned for East Texas! Each county’s plan highlights three to six top-rated projects, along with detailed budgets to guide implementation.
Internet Service Providers in East Texas
Need to find an internet service provider in your area? Here's a list sorted by county.
Meet Our Team
We are here to assist with questions and to help facilitate the broadband solutions in your area.
David Cleveland
Executive
Director
David Scott
Special Projects
Director
Michelle Cahal
GIS Services Program Manager
Rebecca Gage
Economic Development Grant Specialist