San Antonio marks Digital Inclusion Week as partners tout $63M investment and device/literacy efforts

San Antonio City Council on Oct. 9 proclaimed Oct. 6'10 as National Digital Inclusion Week and received a presentation from SA Digital Connects partners describing a multi-pronged effort to expand broadband access, devices and digital skills training across the city and greater Bexar County.

A presenter identified in the meeting as Ria, representing SA Digital Connects, described a coordinated public'private partnership that began after a 2021 planning process involving more than 200 community organizations. Ria said the partnership'backed infrastructure projects resulting from a joint city-county request for proposals will bring high-speed home Internet service to more than 35,000 households that previously lacked access, and that the combined investment for that infrastructure reached about $63,000,000 with matching contributions from AT&T and Spectrum.

The presentation highlighted philanthropic and nonprofit investments as well. City staff and speakers cited Methodist Healthcare Ministries' reported contribution of more than $9,000,000 to 22 local nonprofit partners that provide devices, training and other support. Ria said SA Digital Connects serves as the implementation backbone for the digital investment plan through 2026 and focuses on four pillars: infrastructure, affordability, devices, and skills training.

Councilmembers emphasized that digital access is an economic and civic issue. Councilwoman Villagran said connecting residents is essential for education, health care and employment and recalled city efforts to keep seniors connected during the pandemic. "In an Internet connected world, it's not like having it's like not having access to basic utilities, water, gas, or electricity," she said during remarks introducing the item.

Speakers listed local partner organizations participating in the effort, including Methodist Healthcare Ministries, Family Service Association, Digital Lift, Empowerhouse, Girls Inc. of San Antonio, OATS Senior Plan, CompuDopt, Opportunity Home, IDRA, and Restore Education. Councilmembers invited colleagues and the public to attend community events, and staff encouraged council to continue engagement with private and philanthropic partners to keep momentum.

The proclamation is symbolic but accompanied by ongoing operational work, partners said: infrastructure projects funded through the joint city-county RFP and private matching funds; nonprofit device and literacy investments; and continued advocacy for low-cost Internet options.

Councilmembers said they will continue to monitor implementation and attend public meetings where the partnership reports progress.