" is foundational," Branstetter said. "We don't even use fiber for its full capacity yet-it's future proof. The equipment we put on it, 10 years from now, will still be able to run just fine through fiber-optic cables. Whereas the older, copper version will have more limitations."
"We are seeing who's got fiber, who's got towers, who has access, what levels of service are being provided," Branstetter said. "If there are gaps where there is not enough network infrastructure in this corner of the county, how can we get it there," Branstetter proposed. "Why are these gaps here? Then we look at the needs and analysis."
Beaudry countered that the significance of Fort Bend County completing this study despite there already being completed studies elsewhere, is to contextualize any federal applications of broadband to make the county "more competitive on a national scale.