Digital Connectivity
$8.7 Million in City Funds
NOTE: This program is in Phase II of the City's two-phased strategy.
On February 3, 2022, the City Council allocated $6.9 million for Digital Access/ Literacy, referred to here as Digital Connectivity. Later, on February 8, 2023, the City Council reallocated $1.8 million for a total investment in this area of $8.7 million.
The City Council designated the Economic and Workforce Development Committee (EWDC) to oversee planning for this category.
On August 26, 2022, the Audit and Accountability Committee was briefed on the Request for Proposals (RFP) to provide reliable internet to households in unserved and underserved areas.
The RFP was a joint solicitation between the City of San Antonio and Bexar County and included 37 census tracts: 11 in unincorporated Bexar County and 26 within the City boundary.
On April 6, 2023, the City Council approved a contract with AT&T to provide affordable, quality fiber connectivity to 20,200 households and businesses. The contract with AT&T was amended on November 2, 2023, to add additional locations, which became the official project start date. The contract will expand high-speed, fiber internet service to 20,200 locations by the end of May 2025 in all 10 council districts distributed by the following location types:
- 14,843 Single-Family
- 1,834 Multi-Family
- 3,523 Businesses
Request for Proposals
RFP Timeline
- July 6, 2022: Release of RFP for known Internet Service Providers (ISP’s) or other firms to design, build-out and provide improved broadband infrastructure/service in underserved communities.
- October 5, 2022: RFP closed.
- December 19, 2022: RFP evaluation and scoring.
- March 8, 2023: City Council briefing on recommended contract awards.
- April 6, 2023: City Council approval; contract begins.
- November 2, 2023: Contract amended; official project start date
- May 2025: Anticipated project completion.
Past Presentations
- Staff Presentation - Youth, Digital Connectivity - 06/24/2022(PDF, 4MB)
- Staff Presentation - Small Business, Youth, Digital Connectivity - 05/24/2022(PDF, 5MB)
- Staff Presentation - Small Business, Youth, Digital Connectivity - 04/26/2022(PDF, 7MB)
- Approval of Contract – City Council – Digital Connectivity – 04/06/2023(PDF, 970KB)
- Post-Solicitation Briefing - Digital Connectivity – 03/08/2023(PDF, 1MB)