Texas chooses Connected Nation and ESRI to support broadband expansion

Redlands, California—Texas has joined a growing number of states using ESRI geographic information system (GIS) technology to create broadband inventory maps that better position them for competitive funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The maps will be produced with the help of Connected Nation, a nonprofit corporation, using ESRI's ArcGIS Desktop and Server software. Applicants for broadband stimulus funds can use the maps to provide compelling evidence for their cases.

"We are excited about this new partnership," said Texas agriculture commissioner Todd Staples. "Connected Nation will help Texas close the digital divide between urban and rural communities in our state. By creating a broadband map, we will learn which areas are unserved and underserved. This critical knowledge will lead to developing projects that bring high-speed Internet to all Texans, which will enhance economic development, expand educational opportunities, and improve health care." Connected Nation will partner with the Texas Department of Agriculture to create Connected Texas, the entity that will head the broadband initiative...