Reliable broadband is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. And for many rural Texans, it’s been a missing piece. That’s why Nexstream is proud to announce $113.5 million in funding from the Texas BDO BOOT II grant program to expand high-speed fiber broadband to underserved areas in Burleson and Edwards Counties.
This investment represents a major step forward for rural connectivity and economic development in these regions, where residents and businesses have long struggled with limited Internet access.
A Transformative Investment
Through BOOT II, Texas has committed to closing the digital divide by funding broadband infrastructure projects in unserved and underserved communities. Nexstream is honored to be part of this initiative, receiving two grants:
- $77.5 million for Edwards County – Enabling the construction of over 1,100 miles of fiber to reach over 2,700 homes, businesses, and community spaces.
- $36 million for Burleson County – Facilitating the deployment of 500+ miles of fiber to connect more than 5,000 locations.
Together, these projects will deliver robust, future-ready broadband infrastructure to over 3,700 rural locations.
Why These Counties?
Each county has its own unique broadband challenges. Edwards County, with its rugged terrain and sparse population, has historically been difficult to connect. Burleson County, despite its location within the Texas Triangle, has often been overlooked as neighboring counties experienced rapid growth and infrastructure improvements.
This funding changes that trajectory, ensuring these communities are no longer left behind.
The BOOT II Grant: Fueling Rural Connectivity
BOOT II (Bringing Online Opportunities to Texas) is a state initiative designed to bridge the broadband access gap, particularly in rural areas. The program represents one of the largest state-level broadband investments in Texas history.
Nexstream’s projects in Burleson and Edwards Counties are part of the $701.9 million in grants awarded across 20 counties, supporting over 93,000 underserved locations. This grant program is helping reshape the future of rural Texas, enabling residents and businesses to thrive in the digital age.
What This Means for Rural Texans
High-speed Internet unlocks countless opportunities:
- Education: Students gain access to online learning tools, virtual classrooms, and research resources.
- Healthcare: Telemedicine services become accessible, reducing the need for long-distance travel to medical providers.
- Business Growth: Local entrepreneurs and small businesses can connect with customers, suppliers, and markets globally.
- Community Development: Public services, libraries, and community centers can better serve residents with improved connectivity.
Local Commitment, Lasting Impact
As a company with deep roots in the Texas Hill Country, Nexstream understands the needs of rural communities. Our team lives and works in the region, and we are committed to delivering fiber-fast Internet built to last.
Looking Ahead
Fiber construction in Burleson and Edwards Counties is set to begin in 2025. These projects will lay the groundwork for a future where rural Texans have the same digital opportunities as those in urban centers.
Stay tuned as we break ground and work toward connecting the communities that need it most.
For media inquiries, contact press@nexstream.net