Broadband Access Study and Expansion Plan
Location
- Cameron County, Texas
Client
- Cameron County
Market
Disciplines Provided
CobbFendley is working with Cameron County to complete a County-Wide Broadband Access Study and Expansion Plan. Our team is responsible for identifying underserved areas to aid in the development of a network design and strategy to secure funding for broadband infrastructure. As a key economic hub in the Rio Grande Valley, Cameron County—home to the Valley International Airport and positioned at the Texas-Mexico border—relies on high-speed internet to stay connected in today’s digital economy. As a major economic driver in the Rio Grande Valley region, home to the Valley International Airport, and located at the Southeastern point of the Texas-Mexico border, Cameron County and its residents need reliable, high-speed internet access to thrive in today’s virtually connected world.
Recognizing the unique cultural and geographic landscape of the region, CobbFendley designed an inclusive public engagement process to so that the needs and concerns of residents across the County were included in the study’s findings. We created bilingual materials, collaborated with schools and faith-based groups, and conducted door-to-door surveys to reach residents in hard-to-access areas. A press conference and public service video also helped spread awareness about the survey and speed test.
The results of our robust stakeholder engagement process and the public outreach survey paved the way for the development of a network design that included a middle mile route, in accordance with performance levels set by NTIA. Fiber optic cable will be constructed throughout the County to incentivize and better define the needs for last mile connectivity. We also developed detailed cost estimates and a funding analysis to guide the County inevaluating potential private providers for a partnership agreement to move through implementation.