Dallas County will be using taxpayer money to ensure low-income residents in its jurisdiction receive internet services.
The county’s plan is called the “Middle Mile and Digital Equity Project,” an initiative it is undergoing with the communications infrastructure provider Zayo, which will be getting paid $27.8 million in taxpayer funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.
“Dallas County residents, and lower-income residents in particular, face significant challenges both in affording internet services and in obtaining the devices needed to make effective use of these services,” said Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins.
“Dallas County is committed to improving its digital infrastructure and literacy resources to enable equitable Internet access and digital opportunities for every member of the community. Our partnership will help our most in-need residents receive both affordable, high-speed internet services and the hardware to utilize them to their full potential,” he added.
Officials estimate that around 24,000 Dallas County residents currently do not have internet access.
“Unfortunately, in 2024, we’re still talking about a tale of two cities,” said Commissioner John Wiley Price, speaking with NBC 5 DFW. “We talk about food desert. We know there are many deserts in the southern sector, but the pandemic brought forth the very clear, concise, and crystal that the internet desert was definitely south.”
Lacking home internet access in the United States can hinder education, limit job opportunities, and isolate individuals from essential services and social connections. It impacts students’ ability to complete assignments, restricts remote work opportunities, and reduces access to online healthcare and taxpayer resources, according to the Pew Research Center.
Zayo is also joining forces with the Texas-based nonprofit Compudopt, which does what it can to increase access to technology and education in low-income communities.
“Though many of us use a computer every day with ease, this is not the reality for thousands of Dallas County families, some of whom have never owned an in-home device,” said Compudopt CEO Megan Steckly. “While device accessibility is the first step toward digital equity, we must equip our communities with the knowledge and resources to make the most of their computers. Compudopt is proud to partner with Zayo and Dallas County to continue advancing our North Texas impact and laying the foundation for economic mobility.”