Texas Border Business
EDINBURG – Hidalgo County has begun offering Wi-Fi throughout select areas of the county that will provide free internet access to students living in underserved areas. As more funding becomes available we hope to expand the infrastructure in order to connect more homes, Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez said on Tuesday.
After facing an early challenge during last year’s pandemic as students were forced to learn at home for their safety, county leaders recognized that not all students had the resources for online learning.
“One of the biggest tragedies of the COVID-19 pandemic is how it has affected our children, especially those in school,” said Cortez. “Families that live in some areas were especially hit hard with the lack of connectivity.”
So far there have been over 30 locations identified to beam a Wi-Fi signal, pooling more than $16 million in federal funding with schools and cities to give students internet access in their homes.
“The day that students return to their schools for in-class learning instruction will be a huge step forward,” said Cortez. “With the help of internet access provided by the county and federal funding, students can go home and continue their education.”
