Miscellaneous Expenditures — Communications
Telecommunications

Telecommunications services

State agencies in Texas are legislatively mandated to use the communications services provided by the Department of Information Resources (DIR).

The centralized telecommunications system for the state of Texas is known as TEX-AN. With the exception of state universities and legislative bodies, all state agencies are required to use the telecommunications services provided by TEX-AN. TEX-AN also serves other eligible organizations such as cities, municipalities, counties, education service centers, independent school districts and higher education.

If a communications service is offered by DIR, a state agency must purchase the service through DIR or must request and be granted an exemption before procuring the service through an avenue other than DIR.

If DIR does not and/or cannot provide a communications service, an agency may request an exemption from DIR. To request an exemption please see Telecom Exemption.

Purchasing Telecommunications Services

For information on telecommunications contracts and how to order telecommunications services, see Telecom.

Unlisted Telephone Numbers

Communications Technology Services Contacts

Sources [+]

Definitions:

State agency

• A department, commission, board, office or other agency in the executive branch of state government created by the state constitution or a state statute.
• The Supreme Court, the Court of Criminal Appeals, a court of appeals or the Texas Judicial Council.
• A university system or an institution of higher education as defined by Texas Education Code Section 61.003, except a public junior college. (Texas Government Code, Section 2151.002(2))

Telecommunications services

Intercity communications facilities or services. The term does not include single agency point-to-point radio systems or facilities or services of criminal justice information communication systems. (Texas Government Code, Section 2170.001(a)(1))