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BOOT Challenge Process and Outcome
The Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) concluded its statutory application challenge process for the Bringing Online Opportunities to Texas (BOOT) Program. For each of the 297 challenges submitted, BDO staff evaluated the reasoning and evidence provided to determine its strength.
Most application challenges focused on area eligibility due to the existence of enforceable federal funding commitments, particularly the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. However, during the BDO’s evaluation of challenges received, it became apparent that data quality issues existed for how and where federal funding was determined.
To ensure the accuracy of the process and properly identify the locations eligible for funding, we determined the appropriate next step was to request FCC location IDs from every applicant. The FCC location IDs, a necessary reporting requirement for any selected awardee, allowed the BDO to certify if a location is already under an enforceable federal commitment. The FCC location IDs also ensured the locations being applied for are actual broadband serviceable locations. The BDO contacted each applicant and requested an FCC location ID for each location in their applications.
Following the review of submitted FCC location IDs and the full evaluation of applications received, the BDO provided notice to each applicant for the removal of overlapping areas from certain applications, as per program rules.
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Definitions
Broadband Service
Broadband service is defined (Gov't Code § 490I.0101) as Internet service that delivers transmission speeds capable of providing a minimum download or upload threshold speed that are the greater of either:
- (A) a download speed of 25 megabits per second (Mbps) or faster; and an upload speed of three Mbps or faster; or
- (B) the upload or download threshold speeds for advanced telecommunications capability as adopted by the Federal Communications Commission
Designated Area
A census block, which is the smallest geographic area for which the U.S. Bureau of the Census collects and tabulates decennial census data.
Broadband Service Provider
An internet service provider engaged in business intended for profit including a telephone cooperative, an electric cooperative, or an electric utility, that offers last-mile or middle-mile broadband service for a fare, fee, rate, charge, or other consideration.
Political Subdivisions
Political subdivision means a county, municipality, school district, junior college district, other special district, or other subdivision of state government Local Gov't Code § 140.008(a)(2). The term does not include a special purpose district Gov't Code § 403.0241(b).