SA Digital Connects is working to bridge the digital gap, Executive Director Marina Gavito says, "on the far southside on the far East side, there's just swaths of households that can't connect even if they wanted to connect."

Precinct 4 Commissioner Tommy Calvert says with the new funding, he wants to see people from these underserved communities hired to build the infrastructure needed to expand internet in our community.

Fast, reliable internet allows families to access financial assistance, education resources and employment and civic engagement opportunities, Gavito said.

County and city taking proposals from ISPs on expanding service on South, East, and West sides of county

Nearly 30% of all Texans, according to the Biden administration, will qualify for the infrastructure bill’s Affordability Connectivity Benefit, monthly stipends to partially offset the cost of internet service.
Governor Abbott, however, has consistently expressed reservations about accepting federal funding that includes requirements for additional state funding, or funding that could prove to be short-lived.

About 7.4 million people, 1 in 4 Texans, do not have access to high-speed internet service at home, according to a recent study. That translates to 3 in 10 households .