Broadband

Tonight, Lubbock’s city council is holding a special city council meeting to discuss the city's budget. This includes agreements with the police and fire departments and public hearings on the tax rate and operating budget. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. at Citizens Tower downtown at 1314 Ave K. State broadband leaders are still waiting for instructions on how they can use $21 billion in federal money to connect rural areas to the internet, including around $2 billion in Texas. Harvest Public Media’s Anna Pope reports states are looking for guidance on non-infrastructure expenses.

Rural leaders who have worked years to improve broadband access said they were disappointed by the sharp decrease in federal dollars.

The Trump Administration asked states to find the lowest-cost option in the latest program to build broadband infrastructure in rural areas. That opens the door for more types of technology, which some worry could be less reliable in the long-term.

Lubbock ISD announced yesterday the hiring of a new head coach for the Lubbock High School girls basketball team. President Trump has reneged on billions of dollars for states to improve broadband Internet usage. Texas Public Radio’s Paul Flahive reports Texas would have gained $55 million. The City of Lubbock Water Utilities Department is reminding residents that fats, oils and grease — or FOG — should not be poured down the drain. And along with trash, composting, or reusing, FOG can be recycled at the Southside Citizens Convenience Station on 1631 84th Street.

Disappointed by a lack of government support, the remote West Texas town raised the money it needed to connect 2,000 residents to high-speed broadband.

Despite the efforts of local governments and others, the move to provide internet access to millions of Texans has been slow and faces new challenges.

The federal investment follows the $1 billion approved by Texas taxpayers to help connect the state.

It's estimated that nine million Texans don't have access to adequate internet, and it's not just a rural Texas problem. On this episode of Listen in,…

It's estimated that nine million Texans don't have access to adequate internet, and it's not just a rural Texas problem. On this episode of Listen in,…

An hour before the first patients arrive, Julie Chugh buzzes around The Free Clinic inside Lubbock Impact, making sure everything is ready. That includes…