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VTX1 updates commissioners on Cameron County broadband expansion; 62% address coverage reported
Summary
VTX1 presented a broadband expansion update, including completed fiber in Precinct 4, near-complete work in Precinct 3, active fixed wireless towers and grant pursuit; court acknowledged the presentation.
Orlando Quintanilla, chief operating officer for VTX1 Internet, briefed the court on progress toward county broadband expansion, reporting completed and near-complete fiber-to-the-home projects and an expanding fixed-wireless tower network.
Quintanilla said Precinct 4 fiber was 100% complete with 27 active customers and 10 pending installations; Precinct 3 (San Pedro/Losano area) was approximately 85% to 90% complete with an anticipated May completion for customer installations. VTX1 also reported having activated 10 fixed-wireless towers across the county and estimated the current footprint could serve roughly 62% of county address locations, representing tens of thousands of serviceable locations.
A planned tower site adjacent to the Precinct 1 building on Brown Road was discussed after the county determined an earlier water-tower option was not available. Quintanilla said FAA review will be required for towers close to Brownsville Airport; he estimated FAA clearance information could arrive within about 30 days and observed a typical 90-foot tower covers roughly an 8-mile radius. He told the court VTX1 had activated a Port of Harlingen tower and had completed the first fiber customer turnups in Bluetown.
Quintanilla noted federal, state and BEAD-related grant processes were in flux: the broadband-development office had paused certain federal digital-equity funding streams that could affect planned grant disbursements. He said VTX1 and county partners were continuing to pursue funding and would report updates when available.
Commissioner Benavides moved to acknowledge the presentation; Commissioner Lopez seconded and the court approved the acknowledgement on a voice vote.
