From Digital Divide to Digital Leadership
Once ranked among the worst-connected areas in the nation, Pharr, Texas is transforming into a regional leader in broadband. With nearly 80,000 residents—94% Hispanic or Latino—and 30% of families below the poverty line, city leaders recognized that internet access was no longer optional.
Early Steps and Partnerships
The push began in 2015 after the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas warned that the Rio Grande Valley was falling behind. Community members, schools, and nonprofits formed the Digital Opportunities for the Rio Grande Valley (DO4RGV) coalition, which launched the Pharr Life Net pilot program. With $100,000 in initial funding, the city connected 50 families in South Pharr, proving that municipal broadband could improve education and opportunity.
Launching TeamPharr.Net
By 2021, Pharr officially announced TeamPharr.Net, a city-owned fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network. The $59 million project, financed with $12 million in federal rescue funds and $47 million in bonds, aims to connect 24,000 homes and businesses with 398 miles of fiber cable.
The network delivers:
- 500 Mbps symmetrical speeds for $25/month
- 1 Gig symmetrical service for $50/month
Affordable rates are further supported by the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), ensuring inclusivity for low-income households.
Impact on Students and Families
Pilot projects showed immediate benefits: students with broadband performed better in school and were better prepared for life after graduation. Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez and PSJA ISD leaders emphasized that digital access is about equity, not luxury.
Looking Ahead
TeamPharr.Net is more than infrastructure—it’s an economic development engine. Plans include:
- Expanding to surrounding cities.
- Workforce development programs to train residents in broadband support.
- Promoting local ownership as a model for digital equity.
City officials stress that this is an investment in people as much as in technology, creating opportunities for education, jobs, and regional growth.
