Telecommunications | AustinTexas.gov - The Official Website of the City of Austin

Telecommunications & Regulatory Affairs

TARA is responsible for the administration of electric and gas utility franchises, the licensing of telecommunications services that use the rights-of-way, and several community media programs. TARA also registers and monitors local credit access businesses.

Total Department Budget / Full-time Equivalents

FY 2012: $1,067,205 / 12 FTEs

2011 Accomplishments

-Completed the Austin Internet and Global Citizens Project, a comprehensive in-depth survey on citizens' use and access to digital communications technology.

-Awarded $150,000 in grant funding to nine Austin area non-profit organizations under the Grant for Technology Opportunities Program (GTOPs).

-Executed renewed contract with Austin Free-Net to provide technology training and access for the community, fostering skills that enable people to succeed in a digital age.

-Awarded Public Access television contract with Channel Austin after extensive public input and RFP were conducted.

-Transitioned Time Warner cable television franchise and all regulatory authority to the Public Utility Commission. TARA will continue to provide customer mediation when possible.