Brownsville partners with Methodist Healthcare to improve broadband access

The City of Brownsville announced this week that they are partnering with the Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. to improve local broadband access, opening up access to this service at a critical time.

Methodist is a private, faith-based not-for-profit dedicated to creating access to health care for low-income families and the uninsured.

“The announcement comes in response to the City of Brownsville and community partners advocacy for reliable and affordable broadband internet service to help close the digital divide and homework gap impacting residents,” a press release reads.

According to the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, Brownsville currently ranks as the worst-connected city in the country with the least access to fixed broadband. The current COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need for improved infrastructure to accommodate the increased need for virtual learning and telehealth opportunities, the press release reads.

“Additionally, the Brownsville economy transitions further into a digital economy, local leaders recognized the need to expand existing broadband infrastructure,” the press release reads.

“Leaders have also realized that, in addition to adequate and strategically placed public fiber, they must create a plan to address and fill the other gaps in access that exist in the community: affordability of subscriptions, devices, and digital skills training and technical assistance.”

The city in partnership with Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas will make a major announcement at 2 p.m. in an online conference. Speakers at the conference include Brownsville Mayor Trey Mendez, who has been advocating for broadband access for the community since his campaign.

“In order to secure our future in the global economy we must Close the Digital Divide,” Mendez said in the press release.

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