San Antonio, Texas, has partnered with Dish Network to offer satellite broadband internet services to all the residents in the city. As a part of a new drive to narrow the digital divide, Dish plans to provide satellite equipment and launch satellite internet service for more than 50,000 homes that currently do not have broadband connectivity.
This new partnership’s goal is to raise the internet connection rates and bring a better and cheaper internet service to more families in San Antonio. This week, Mayor Ron Nirenberg made the announcement, stating that it marked a big leap toward digital inclusion for many households that are left out.
Addressing the Needs of the Populations with Poor Access to Health Care
Recent statistics show that more than 20% of households in San Antonio do not own a broadband internet connection. Such a digital divide is even worse experienced by low-income neighborhoods and communities of color. Mayor Nirenberg believes this new satellite internet offering from Dish Network will assist in closing this gap.
During the announcement, Mayor Nirenberg stated, ‘Internet access today shouldn’t be a luxury, it’s a necessity for families to work, learn, find healthcare and much more’. ‘Together with Dish as our partner in satellite broadband, we will strive to make it possible for whole neighborhoods to be connected.
Before launching the service, Dish Network will sell satellite equipment and service to 10 selected zip codes with the lowest connectivity rates compared to the rest of the city. Deployment will commence in the following month, with download speeds ranging from 10 Mbps. Satellite internet is slower than cable or fiber internet, however, Dish Network has enhanced its services with its new-generation satellites.
Making High-Speed Internet Affordable
Besides the provision of satellite broadband in the community of San Antonio, Dish Network also plans to bring down costs. A client will be charged $30 per month for satellite internet service without any restrictions on the amount of data that can be used or any contractual obligation that will force a client to continue using the service even if he or she does not want to.
“We are eager to help families and seniors in San Antonio gain affordable access to the internet,” stated Brian Neylon, the Executive Vice President and Group President of Dish TV. ‘Thanks to the strong satellite broadband network base, we can start hooking up as many as tens of thousands of new San Antonio homes right away.
This reduced monthly rate will be partially offset by Dish Network and an ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program) federal subsidy. Those who are in the lower socioeconomic bracket using the set criteria of being in SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Pell Grant, and other federal assistance programs will be eligible for this federally funded mechanism that reduces the internet bill by $30 every month.
Continued Initiatives to Narrow the Digital Divide
Cooperation between San Antonio and Dish Network is not an isolated case; instead, it fits into the broader framework of the city’s digital inclusion efforts. Some other measures include entering partnerships with ISPs to provide affordable cable internet to households that meet the eligibility, installing free public WiFi in common areas, and enhancing funding for digital literacy projects.
Moreover, city officials remain on the lookout for new possibilities to enhance connectivity; recently, they considered using WiFi-equipped school buses to broadcast internet connections to students in various low-income districts.
“Affordable and dependable internet is not a luxury; it is a necessity for families,” said District 4 Councilwoman Adriana Rocha Garcia, who chairs the Connected Beyond the Classroom task force in San Antonio. “Every program we pursue touches more lives in San Antonio and opens up the potential of broadband connection.
Moving forward, the city intends to continue pursuing infrastructure funding for broadband expansion through the 2021 federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The officials of San Antonio affirm that their mission is not complete until every household has an affordable internet on-ramp.
Resident Response
The Dish Network satellite internet rollout across San Antonio has been well received among city residents, particularly in the areas that have the least access to the internet.
“It has been disappointing to find out that we cannot follow classes at home as we do not have a good WiFi connection,” said Javier Martinez, a West Side high school student. “With satellite from Dish, I am sure I won’t have to sit outside Mcdonald's using their internet as I do now.
Some people claim that Dish Network coming to their area might be the best thing that has ever happened to them since they will be able to have access to telemedicine, employment from home, and other things.
I never thought that we could pay for internet in our homes, said Amy Cortez from the South Side. “This will enable me to take online classes that will in turn help me to get a better job.
San Antonio officials are targeting residents who wish to sign up for the cheaper Dish Network satellite internet and advise them to visit Saprepare. com or dial 210-207-SAPD. Ever soon connection to installations will be provided to households, enabling them to access basic needs and other services such as education, employment, and healthcare among others.
Ready to upgrade your TV experience? Call us now at (877) 471-4808 to find the perfect Dish Network plan for you! Don’t miss out on great entertainment—our team is here to help you choose the best package and get you started today.
