Collaborating for Connectivity
Expanding Broadband Access Through Strategic Partnerships
A key aspect of CobbFendley’s mission is “building communities,” a commitment we’ve upheld since day one. In today’s digital world, high-quality internet access is essential for supporting remote work, education, healthcare, and emergency services. As demand for reliable broadband grows—particularly in underserved areas—the role of firms like ours in designing and implementing these networks becomes critical.
At CobbFendley, we leverage our history of experience working with municipal clients, telecommunications providers, and utility companies to deliver innovative broadband solutions. Our expertise spans network design, implementation, and strategic planning, enabling us to craft tailored solutions to address both immediate and long-term community needs. We work closely with our clients to secure funding, support sustainable operations, and establish comprehensive maintenance plans, so that these vital networks continue to support growth and connectivity for years to come.

A Leader in Network Solutions Since 1980
Since our founding in 1980, CobbFendley has supported the telecommunications industry, starting with Southwestern Bell, AT&T’s predecessor. As we’ve expanded into broader infrastructure solutions, we’ve helped both public and private entities deliver essential services. As a leader in broadband services, we play a key role in bridging the digital divide and expanding access.
The pandemic underscored the urgent need for internet access, especially in underserved communities. Driven by the commitment to support our communities, we partnered with local municipalities to conduct broadband feasibility studies, revealing the need for funding resources. To address this gap, we developed strategies to assist in securing federal and state grants and plans to leverage public-private partnerships for critical broadband resources.

Powering Progress Through Public-Private Partnerships
Our experience in working with both public and private sector clients has allowed us to identify unique opportunities for public-private partnerships (P3) to drive broadband expansion. By utilizing our long-term relationships with broadband and utility providers, we have developed a compelling financial model that maximizes both public and private investment. With these key partners aligned and a strategic plan in place, CobbFendley’s projects are designed to move forward from planning through implementation while enhancing the potential for securing grants and private investments for broadband improvements.

P3 Partnerships in Action: Connecting the Colonias
One of our key connectivity projects is in Cameron County, Texas, where many underserved communities—known as “colonias”—face severe connectivity challenges. These unincorporated, economically disadvantaged areas lack essential infrastructure, including internet access. As a result of our feasibility study, we identified P3 opportunities for the County to partner with potential private providers. We then assisted with the development of an RFQ to select one provider. VTX1, a local broadband service provider and telephone cooperative, was selected to move forward with implementation.

CobbFendley developed a plan to prioritize and expedite the construction of the broadband expansion to a group of the most underserved and unserved areas of the County. Investing $10 million of their own private funding, VTX1 is building the network to connect this group of communities. With this successful strategic partnership in place, VTX1 will be better positioned to apply for BEAD funding to fully implement broadband service across all of the underserved areas in the County.
CobbFendley’s work in Cameron County demonstrates how thorough planning, community-focused engagement, and strategic partnerships can come together to overcome financial and geographic barriers, facilitating connection where it is needed the most. Our collective success in establishing this partnership between VTX1 and Cameron County would not have been possible without the invaluable support of Cameron County officials, regional non-profit organizations, and our teaming partners.
Our expertise in delivering essential components for infrastructure funding applications enables us to facilitate implementation while encouraging industry investment. By combining our technical capabilities with our experience in navigating P3 opportunities, CobbFendley is prepared to help municipalities and private companies bridge the digital divide and enhance broadband infrastructure nationwide.
The Future of Expanding Connectivity
True to our roots, CobbFendley remains dedicated to expanding internet access through comprehensive services, innovative tools, and strategic partnerships. As we continue projects across the country, we are committed to providing customized, affordable broadband solutions for every community. Our expertise in delivering essential components for infrastructure funding applications enables us to facilitate implementation while encouraging industry investment.
Looking ahead, we are focused on evolving technologies such as AI, EV charging stations, and data centers to help build connected, resilient communities. By combining our technical capabilities with our experience in navigating P3 opportunities, CobbFendley is prepared to help municipalities and private companies bridge the digital divide and enhance broadband infrastructure nationwide.
