(a) The broadband development office shall prioritize broadband infrastructure projects that connect each end-user location using end-to-end fiber optic facilities that meet speed, latency, reliability, consistency, scalability, and related criteria as the office shall determine for each applicable notice of funds availability.
(b) The office may consider an application for a broadband infrastructure project that does not employ end-to-end fiber optic facilities if the use of an alternative technology:
(1) is proposed for a high cost area;
(2) may be deployed at a lower cost; or
(3) meets the criteria established by the office under Subsection (a).