Hidalgo County, Texas, home to over 850,000 people and among the poorest U.S. counties, partnered with Insight and SmartWAVE to bridge the digital divide during the pandemic. Many students and workers lacked internet access, limiting education and remote work. Insight designed and deployed a multiphased public Wi-Fi network using Cisco, Palo Alto Networks, and Ruckus wireless mesh, leveraging existing infrastructure like water tanks and poles to reduce costs. The project now provides free internet to more than 30,000 residents, with three years of ongoing monitoring, optimization, and support ensuring secure, reliable connectivity.

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