East Texas council launches tech workforce coalition amid $1 billion broadband buildout

Approximately $1 billion in federal funds is flowing into deep East Texas to upgrade high-speed internet access, but local leaders face the challenge of ensuring residents can actually use the new connections. The Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG) launched the Pineywoods Broadband Coalition on Thursday to address this gap through technology education and workforce development.

Connor Sadro, the council’s broadband director, noted that before recent projects began, 50% of the region was underserved or unserved for high-speed broadband. He stated that the region is now seeing that statistic reverse. However, connectivity varies by community. Some residents have full access for streaming and video calls, while others struggle to load single websites on mobile devices. This inconsistency limits access to telehealth services and remote employment opportunities.

The coalition’s first initiative focuses on digital navigation and adoption. This program will provide training for individuals who have never used a personal laptop. Instruction will cover basic computer operations, including charging devices, startup procedures, and troubleshooting. The curriculum will also include navigating telehealth appointments and video chats. Sadro indicated that the initiative will not cost the council money initially, as it will rely on existing resources and volunteers. If future plans require funding, leaders will seek local, state, and federal grants.

A second initiative addresses the physical impacts of broadband construction. The region’s high-speed internet grants cover various technologies, including fiber optics and satellite internet such as Starlink. While satellite access has minimal impact on existing infrastructure, fiber optic installation requires excavation. Sadro reported that expanding fiber lines has already damaged water and gas lines, many of which were installed in the 1970s and have not been upgraded. The coalition intends to bring together infrastructure experts to map current utility lines to reduce disruptions during construction.

The third initiative targets economic development and workforce readiness. Sadro explained that bringing the entire region online could create 10,000 jobs. These roles would range from fiber optic splicers to positions requiring online certifications. The coalition’s launch coincided with the celebration of the first phase of a larger regional broadband network in Newton County. Lonnie Hunt, executive director of DETCOG, said this phase should be completed by the end of November.

The Newton project is one of several connectivity expansions following a 2019 broadband study that shaped regional access strategies and supported grant applications. The first phase of the Newton project costs approximately $9 million. This amount was allocated from a $51 million grant from the Texas General Land Office and a matching contribution from the T.L.L. Temple Foundation. The remaining $42 million will be released only after the next two phases are bid out, according to Sadro.

Hunt stated that more than half of the households benefiting from this specific project are low-to-moderate income. The network will eventually span six counties. The coalition was approved by the DETCOG board of directors, which includes community leaders such as city council members and county judges from 11 counties. Sadro hopes this group will help lead or identify personnel to support the region through these infrastructure changes.