East Texans Asked to Help Verify New FCC Broadband Map
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently released a new map showing what it believes is the type and speed of internet service that is now available to every household in East Texas. The map was built with information from internet providers, including those in our region.
Rural leaders from throughout Texas have voiced concerns that the map exaggerates the actual service that is available to Texans, especially those in rural communities. Why is this so important? The new FCC map will determine how broadband funds are allocated among the states, with funding allocated based on the number of unconnected homes on the map. There is a process for individual households and communities to challenge the map data, and the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) is urging residents to look at the map and report inaccuracies. ETCOG is working on a region-wide bulk challenge; however, individual household challenges are an important part of this process.
As you know, ETCOG has been working county by county with local decision-makers since January 2021 to help identify our region’s most critical broadband needs. We are thrilled to announce that seven counties have fully adopted Broadband Action Plans! Four additional counties are awaiting final review and approval by their counties shortly.
Broadband Studies & Action Plans that have been adopted by their county are available for download on our website. These plans will be used to apply for broadband project implementation funds for our region.
GeoSpatial Training Service is partnering with the East Texas Council of Governments to host an ArcGIS Pro training opportunity in Kilgore! These trainings are offered to cities, counties, EDCs, appraisal districts, and others who use the ESRI program.
Individuals registered for both trainings will receive a 10% discount and be entered into a drawing for a free seat! Lunch is included, and seats are limited, so sign-up quickly!
Learning ArcGIS Pro 1: Maps and Projects
February 6-7 (1.5 days)
Learning ArcGIS Pro 2: Editing, Analysis, and Automation
The ETCOG Regional Directory has all the contacts you need for cities, counties, and special districts. If you see that your listing needs updating, send us a request!
Applications are now open for Criminal Justice and Homeland Security grants through the Office of the Governor, Public Safety Office.
New and continuing applications in ETCOG’s 14-county region are required to attend FREE virtual application workshops hosted by the ETCOG Public Safety division.
The Workforce Innovations & Opportunity Act (WIOA) program allows WSET to provide job skills for future job seekers, including paid work experience, on-the-job training, work readiness courses, and scholarship for school!
The Area Agency on Aging hosts health and wellness classes for seniors in the ETCOG 14-county region. These classes are evidence-based models that have been tested and proven to provide practical and effective strategies that empower adults to actively manage their health and take the steps necessary to live healthy, fulfilling lives and reduce their health costs.
Several AAA staff host health and wellness classes following certifications. Recently, Juanita Padron, Sandra McChristian, and Jennita Carter completed their updated training for the Chronic Pain Self-Management Program.
To learn more about Health and Wellness classes, visit →
Download “GoBus Transit” from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Call our office to set up an account and book your trip within minutes with no wait times.
When it comes to passwords, most of us would love nothing more than to set it and forget it. But that’s exactly what hackers are hoping for — in fact; it makes their job a lot easier. This means the best line of defense is frequent password changes.
When it comes to keeping your data secure, password complexity is just the beginning. Here are a few additional tips for keeping your passwords safe.
Do a password audit
Use multi-factor authentication
Use a password manager
If you have any questions or would like a free consultation regarding your IT environment, please get in touch with our Regional Technology Solutions department at (903) 218-6400, or visit our website at www.regionaltechnologysolutions.com.
