Elsa lands second internet provider, expands free Wi-Fi access

The city of Elsa celebrated the installation of Wi-Fi infrastructure it says will dramatically increase access to broadband internet in the rural town during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday.

That new infrastructure, on top of the city’s water tower, is set to offer a second internet option to the community, which has historically been served by only one provider.

The infrastructure will also provide free Wi-Fi at some locations in Elsa, like public parks.

According to the city, the new service is wireless rather than relying on cable infrastructure and will support remote workers and small businesses while fostering economic growth and education.

“Today isn’t just about technology. It’s about opportunity. This investment helps our students, supports our families, and strengthens the future of our city,” Elsa Mayor Al Perez said.

The project is the result of collaboration between Elsa and Raymondville-based provider VTX1 Internet.

Elsa’s project is the latest in several post-coronavirus initiatives local entities have rolled out in an effort to connect their communities to Wi-Fi.

Donna ISD, for example, invested in a dozen communications towers in 2020 to provide internet to students, over half of which it estimated lacked access.

The city of Pharr invested heavily in fiber optic internet infrastructure in 2021, while the city of McAllen rolled out free Wi-Fi access points, particularly in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Estimates within the past two years, however, still say that as much as a quarter of households in Cameron and Hidalgo counties lack access to broadband internet.

Daniel Rivera, executive director of the Elsa Economic Development Corporation, said the pandemic put the need for more robust internet infrastructure in focus for Elsa as well.

Wi-Fi, he said, is critical infrastructure for local businesses rather than a luxury.

“It’s a necessity,” he said.

The city hopes that a different provider servicing Elsa will improve reliability and increase competition while expanding access into previously underserved areas.

“It’s gonna give businesses more opportunities,” Rivera said.

According to the city, the new service is expected to launch this summer.