The Brownsville City Commission approved the authorization of a term sheet for a fiber-optic network that could deliver 100% broadband internet connectivity coverage within the city. Without broadband, the average person in Brownsville receives 25 megabits (network speed). With broadband, network speed would increase to 100 megabits. Roxanna Miranda/THE RIDER PHOTO ILLUSTRATION
Last Wednesday, the Brownsville City Commission gave the green light to authorize a term sheet that will further memorialize forthcoming legal instruments for a broadband internet network that would improve reception.
If brought to fruition, Brownsville would have better internet through 100% of a 93-mile radius.
The city is in the process of finding public and private partnerships to fund the project, in addition to $19.5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
According to agenda documents, the project is estimated to cost $70 million.
The fiber-optic network will connect at least 32 anchor institutions, including the City of Brownsville and Public Utilities Board facilities.
Andres Carvallo, CEO and founder of CMG Consulting LLC, presented the plan to the commission with Elizabeth Walker, assistant city manager.
“Evidence suggests that broadband services have a net positive economic and social impact to communities by enhancing key functions, such as economic competitiveness, workforce development, training, educational capabilities, municipal operations and smart city development,” Walker said during the meeting.
Mayor Trey Mendez made the motion to approve the agenda item, which was unanimously approved by the rest of the commission.
With its approval, the next steps to be completed within 30 days are action toward a memorandum of understanding and a public-private partnership (PPP) shareholder agreement, PPP incorporation, and letters of intent with potential stakeholders and institutional customers. Wholesale marketplace agreements with internet service providers would follow.
The next steps to be completed within 60 days are the securing of necessary additional financing vehicles beyond partner equity contribution, an evolved packet core contract and the start of the fiber middle-mile network project planning and staging.
All parties must agree to follow federal procurement regulations required by the usage of ARPA funds, including mandatory contract provisions.
