City of Gonzales
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & STRATEGIC
PARTNERSHIPS
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: June 6, 2022
FROM: Carmen Gil, Community Engagement & Strat. Partnership Dir.
THROUGH: René L. Mendez, City Manager
SUBJECT: Presentation on Partnership with T-Mobile
RECOMMENDATION
Receive a report on T-Mobile’s continued commitment to working in partnership with the City of Gonzales around broadband connectivity and helping to set up the infrastructure needed for wiring a 5G enabled Gonzales Community Center Complex.
BACKGROUND
The City’s Broadband Infrastructure Strategy was initially approved by the Council on May 15 of 2017.
At its core, the initiative’s purpose is to provide basic and reliable internet to every household in Gonzales. Through this strategy, the City was able to work on developing a partnership with T-Mobile where through their T-Mobile for Education initiative they were able to work with the City to guarantee a subsidized rate for wifi internet services which allowed the City to secure 2,000 HotSpots so that every household that wanted one could have equitable access to one.
In late 2019 the City received the 2,000 HotSpots and begun distributing them in February of 2020, little did we know that having the HotSpots available then was going to pay tenfold when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Fasttrack to today when the HotSpots have been upgraded to 5G and the community is very happy with their free high-speed wifi device. Having the foresight to partner with T-Mobile as part of their Education initiative was a great decision made by the Council back in 2017. Their desire to build in an equitable broadband system was invaluable. At that time the Council understood the importance of having the advantage of free universal broadband, and now more than ever as we move forward with the Gonzales Community Center Complex it is important to consider how we are going to build in the infrastructure to support 5G connectivity at the center. We are fortunate that the partnership with TAGENDA ITEM
17 Mobile has been fruitful and that they are a committed to continue partnering with the City on digital equity by supporting the provision of sustainable and reliable connectivity not only for the Gonzales Community Center Complex site, but for the entire community. For the Gonzales Community Center Complex this means partnering with us now as we think through the needed infrastructure to help us build a state-of-the-art facility with complete wifi connectivity.
REVIEW AND ANALYSIS
The commitment from T-Mobile to continue partnering with the City is a great opportunity. Their expertise not only from across the nation but also the global spectrum will give us an edge as we are build the Community Center of the future. With access to their resources, partnerships and technical expertise we can be sure that what we are putting forth to the community will be like nothing else they have seen.
Duties and Commitments
The City will continue working in partnership with T-Mobile as we move forward on advancements to fully build in wifi capabilities into the Gonzales Community Center Complex.
Explain Recommendation and How it Supports the Vision
Gonzales will continue to be a safe, clean, family-friendly community, diverse in its heritage, and committed to working collaboratively to preserve and retain its small town charm.
Explain: This partnership will help us continue to explore the newest and greatest wifi capabilities for the Gonzales Community Center as we begin to build out the infrastructure.
Explain how the Recommendation Directly Implements the Mission The City Council and Staff of the City of Gonzales will realize our Vision by providing the leadership, commitment, and resources necessary to provide excellent services that enhance the quality of life of our diverse community.
Explain: Please see explanation above for the how it supports the city’s mission.
City services will be delivered in a cost-effective, respectful, and friendly manner to insure the safety and well being of the residents and the promotion of business, recreational, housing and employment opportunities in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Explain: This partnership will support our city’s continued edge on innovation and community well-being by helping us bring equitable universal broadband to our community.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety Yes No X N/A
• Housing Yes No X N/A
• Recreation X Yes No N/A
• Environment Yes No X N/A
• Education X Yes No N/A
Explain: Please see explanation above for the explanation.
ALTERNATIVES
If the Council decides not to partner with T-Mobile at this time, it will be a missed opportunity. As the process of development is unfolding for the center, partnering with T-Mobile early will help give us insights to what we don’t know and what the future of technology will hold so that we can best prepare the center to meet the demands of tomorrow. Given that technology changes so frequently, this is necessary. That way when we begin to build out we are building in the infrastructure that will be needed for the future and not infrastructure that is going to be considered outdated within a few years. The best way to do that is to be responsive to the ever-growing needs and have experts at the table that can guide us and share their technological expertise.
BUDGET IMPACT
There is no adverse impact to the current budget for this partnership.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council receive a report on T-Mobile’s continued commitment to working in partnership with the City of Gonzales around broadband connectivity and their desire to support the setting up of the infrastructure needed for completely wiring the Gonzales Community Center Complex with 5G broadband.
Attachments:
1. Powerpoint Presentation