Fiber2Go introduces South Texas Broadband Coalition to expand Internet access across 15 counties

In a significant move to enhance digital connectivity, the Dimmit County Commissioners Court recently discussed the South Texas Broadband Coalition, a collaborative initiative aimed at expanding high-speed internet access across 15 counties in South Texas. The proposal, presented by Fiber2Go Corporation, seeks to address the pressing issue of the digital divide in underserved areas, ensuring that residents, businesses, and essential institutions can access reliable and affordable internet services.

The Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program, a federal initiative with a budget of $42.5 billion, allocates $3.3 billion specifically for Texas to connect unserved and underserved locations. This program presents a unique opportunity for counties to enhance their broadband infrastructure without any upfront investment. The coalition model proposed by Fiber2Go allows each county to maintain control over its grant while benefiting from shared resources and infrastructure.

Key features of the initiative include the development of a 600-mile fiber optic ring designed to connect various counties, providing high-capacity internet speeds ranging from 100 to 800 gigabits per second. This infrastructure is expected to serve over 6,200 residential, business, and public sites in its first phase, creating more than 250 direct jobs and over 500 indirect jobs in construction and technology sectors.

The coalition aims to foster regional collaboration, which not only improves service reliability but also reduces costs for individual counties. By participating, counties can declare their intent to join the coalition and sign a nonbinding memorandum of understanding with Fiber2Go, allowing for coordinated planning while retaining local control over project timelines and implementation.

The initiative is poised to drive economic development by supporting remote education, telehealth services, and local businesses, ultimately contributing to long-term economic growth in the region. As the coalition moves forward, it represents a crucial step toward bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all communities in South Texas can thrive in an increasingly digital world.

The next steps involve counties preparing customized technical packages and submitting unified proposals to maximize their chances of securing funding. With the support of Fiber2Go, the South Texas Broadband Coalition is set to transform the digital landscape, making high-speed internet a reality for many who have been left behind.