DETCOG Launches Broadband Study with Public Meetings Across Deep East Texas

The Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG) is taking steps to improve internet service across its 11-county region by launching a Broadband Assessment and Action Plan. The project will gather input from residents and businesses about their current internet service, challenges, and needs.

The study is funded through a USDA Rural Development Broadband Technical Assistance award and is being conducted by Sanborn Geospatial, a firm specializing in broadband mapping and planning.

Why It Matters

Officials say the goal is to identify ways to expand access to fast, reliable, and affordable internet across some of the most rural areas in Texas. Input from the community will help shape recommendations to improve infrastructure, reduce costs, and increase service options.

“Broadband is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for everything from work and education to healthcare and economic growth,” DETCOG leaders said in the announcement. “We want to hear directly from the people who live and do business here.”

Public Meetings

DETCOG will host three in-person meetings and one virtual session. Residents and business owners are invited to attend whichever is most convenient:

• Wednesday, Sept. 24 – San Augustine

  6:00–7:30 p.m. | San Augustine County Courthouse, 100 W Columbia St.

  
  

• Thursday, Sept. 25 – Woodville

  1:30–3:00 p.m. | First Baptist Church, 202 S Charlton St.

  
  

• Thursday, Sept. 25 – Groveton

  6:00–7:30 p.m. | County Annex Building, 227 W First St.

  
  

• Monday, Sept. 29 – Virtual Meeting

  1:30–3:00 p.m. | Zoom link available on DETCOG’s website

Pizza and snacks will be provided at the in-person sessions.

Online Survey

For those unable to attend, DETCOG has also launched two online surveys—one for residents and one for businesses. The surveys ask participants about their internet use and what improvements they consider most important, such as telehealth, digital learning, or agriculture technology.

Surveys are open until September 30 and can be accessed at www.detcog.gov/broadband

About DETCOG

DETCOG represents 11 East Texas counties: Angelina, Houston, Nacogdoches, Newton, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity, and Tyler. The agency works to coordinate planning and development across the region, which covers more than 9,400 square miles and is home to over 330,000 residents.