Newton, TX – The Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG) announced the formation of the Pineywoods Broadband Coalition, a regional partnership aimed at closing the digital divide and building a technology‑focused workforce in the six‑county Deep East Texas area.
Addressing the broadband gap
According to Connor Sadro, DETCOG’s broadband director, roughly half of the region was previously underserved or unserved by high‑speed internet. “We’re starting to see that table flip, and it’s good news,” Sadro said at the coalition’s launch.
Federal funding of nearly $1 billion is flowing into the area, supporting a mix of fiber‑optic and satellite solutions such as Starlink. While satellite can reach remote homes quickly, fiber deployment promises the most reliable speeds for businesses and schools, though it requires extensive ground work.
Three initiatives to boost connectivity and jobs
Digital navigation and adoption. The coalition will offer hands‑on training for residents who have never owned a laptop. Classes will cover basic operations, troubleshooting, and how to use telehealth platforms and video‑chat tools, helping families access essential services.
Coordinated infrastructure and funding. As new fiber lines are laid, existing water and gas utilities—many installed in the 1970s—have suffered damage. The coalition will convene engineers and utility experts to map current underground assets, reducing the risk of future disruptions and streamlining grant applications.
Economic development and workforce preparation. By bringing reliable broadband to the entire region, DETCOG projects up to 10,000 new jobs, ranging from fiber‑optic splicing to online certification programs. “If we bring the internet to this region, if we fill that gap of 50 % underserved and unserved then 10,000 jobs are on the table,” Sadro said.
Funding and timeline
The first phase of the regional broadband network, centered in Newton County, is slated for completion by the end of November. It costs about $9 million, funded by a $51 million grant from the Texas General Land Office matched by the T.L.L. Temple Foundation. The remaining $42 million will be released as the second and third phases are bid out.
Lonnie Hunt, DETCOG’s executive director, noted that more than half of the anticipated beneficiaries are low‑to‑moderate‑income households, underscoring the coalition’s focus on equity and community uplift.
Community leadership
The coalition’s board includes city council members, county judges and other local leaders from the eleven counties served. Sadro hopes the board will either step into leadership roles or recommend qualified individuals to guide the initiative as it moves forward.
DETCOG’s 2019 broadband study laid the groundwork for today’s grant applications, showing how data‑driven planning can attract federal and state resources to rural Texas.
With volunteers and existing council resources covering initial costs, the coalition aims to secure additional local, state and federal grants as plans solidify, ensuring the long‑term sustainability of the project.
By expanding high‑speed internet access and equipping residents with digital skills, the Pineywoods Broadband Coalition seeks to empower families, support local businesses and create a more resilient, technology‑ready East Texas.
Original reporting: Texas Tribune (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
