HomeMy WebLinkAbout26-0067 - 2026-06-02 - Informal ReportINFORMAL RESPONSE TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 26-0067
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
June 2, 2026
Page 1 of 2
SUBJECT: NEIGHBORHOOD WiFi PROGRAM ACHIEVEMENTS AND
COMPLETION UPDATE
Background:
The Neighborhood WiFi Program was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide immediate
wireless internet connectivity in five Neighborhood Improvement Zones: Stop Six, Ash Crescent, Northside,
Rosemont, and Como. The program successfully bridged the digital divide in these lower -income areas,
delivering high -quality internet access for remote education, job searches, telemedicine, and other essential
services to households that previously lacked affordable connectivity. Since its inception, the program has
served over 5,000 unique monthly users at its peak and has cumulatively provided connectivity to thousands
of residents who would otherwise have been without reliable internet access.
Achievements:
The program demonstrated the City's ability to rapidly deploy technology solutions in underserved
communities and served as a critical precursor to the broader municipal broadband initiative now underway.
The Neighborhood WiFi network established the operational framework, community engagement model, and
technical architecture that has informed the City's long-term broadband strategy, including the Public -Private
Partnership with Sprocket Networks to build a citywide fiber network.
Program Completion:
Staff recommends completion of the Neighborhood WiFi Program based on three factors: the program has
achieved its intended goals, usage is in sustained decline, and the enabling funding source is nearing
expiration.
The objective to provide wireless connectivity in communities disproportionately affected by the digital
divide during the COVID-19 pandemic was accomplished. The network delivered continuous service to five
target neighborhoods since 2022. The City's long-term broadband strategy is the municipal fiber network in
partnership with Sprocket Networks which is now under construction and will provide a permanent, higher -
speed solution. This long-term broadband construction strategy of the fiber network began in January 2025
with over 235,000 feet of construction permitted to date, and residential service is expected to be available
in the second half of 2027.
Monthly unique users have declined nearly 60% from a peak of approximately 5,600 in late 2023 to 2,341 in
April 2026.. This decline reflects the increasing availability of affordable commercial broadband options
and the changing needs of the community as the post pandemic -era demand for emergency connectivity has
subsided. A visualization of the usage trend is provided below.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL RESPONSE TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 26-0067
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council June 2, 2026
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COMPLETION UPDATE
Neighborhood WiFi Program — Monthly Unique Users
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Federal Funding Expiration. The Neighborhood WiFi Program funded through the American Rescue Plan
Act (ARPA), requires all funds to be fully expended by December 31, 2026. Given that the program's
objectives have been met and usage is declining, and the long-term broadband initiative is underway, staff
does not recommend identifying alternative funding to sustain the program beyond the ARPA deadline.
Recurring Operational Costs:
The current recurring operational cost for the Neighborhood WiFi Program is approximately $25,092 per
month ($301,104 annually) for internet circuit connectivity. Two additional cost components consisting of
$180,000 annually for contractor support through ePlus and $47,000 annually for Meraki licensing have been
paid in advance and will not be renewed. The remaining internet circuit costs represent the ongoing expense
that would need to be absorbed or reallocated if the program were to continue beyond the ARPA funding
period.
Next Steps:
In the coming months, staff will work with the affected neighborhoods to communicate the program's sunset
timeline and coordinate with Sprocket Networks on the transition to the forthcoming fiber -based broadband
service. The program's remaining ARPA funds will continue to be managed in compliance with U.S. Treasury
guidelines through the December 31, 2026 expenditure deadline.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact Kevin Gunn at x2015 or
kevin.gunn@fortworthtexas.gov.
Jesus "Jay" Chapa
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS