March 23, 2022

Congressman Castro Highlights Federal Investments in High-Speed Internet During Visit to San Antonio Public Housing Community

SAN ANTONIO — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) toured the San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA)’s Colonel George J. Cisneros Apartments to discuss how federal investments in high-speed internet are changing the lives of low-income seniors and families.

Earlier this month, Congressman Castro secured $1,000,000 for SAHA to provide and expand high-speed internet services to their 52 public housing properties and 24 Beacon properties. The Smart Mesh technology that will enable the expansion is already in use at Colonel Cisneros Apartments.

Congressman Castro speaks with residents of Colonel Cisneros Apartments about federal investments in high-speed internet. 

To download high-quality images from today’s event, click here or here.

“In 2022, high-speed internet is as essential as a phone line,” said Congressman Joaquin Castro. “Earlier this month, President Biden signed a federal funding package into law with more than a million dollars I got to help SAHA expand Wi-Fi access within their properties. This funding comes in addition to the support that is already coming to Texas through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which will lower the cost of internet for millions of Texans. Every family — no matter their income — deserves to connect with the outside world.”

“Access to Internet service has become a basic utility in today’s reality where everything is online,” said Ed Hinojosa, SAHA’s President and CEO. “Congressman Castro’s effort to secure federal funding means our most vulnerable families receiving housing assistance can have access to a public Wi-Fi from their home. We eliminate the barrier of access and take one step toward digital equity.”

In November 2021, Congressman Castro voted to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a bipartisan infrastructure law that will provide Texas with at least $100 million to help provide high-speed internet across the state. The law established the Affordable Connectivity Benefit, which provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet subscriptions for low-income families. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop, computer, or tablet.

According to estimates from the White House, 8,381,000 Texans — or approximately 29% of residents — are eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Benefit. San Antonians can learn more and apply by visiting https://acpbenefit.org/.