LA FERIA, Texas – La Feria residents are getting closer to receiving fast and reliable Internet services from an improved tower along FM 506 south of town.
The project is the latest initiative from Raymondville-based internet service provider VTX1 as it continues to expand coverage in Cameron County.
The company is utilizing an existing 900 feet tall tower by investing more than $150,000 in improvements.
About a dozen devices, each about the size of a small tablet, were installed on several sections of the metal structure that will pick up fiber optic signals to be transmitted over an 8-mile radius in the surrounding rural areas.
“Today marks the commencement of a milestone for us,” Patrick McDonnell, the company’s chief executive officer, said. “This tower improvement will provide a much faster speed in Internet services.”
He, along with company representatives, Cameron County officials and La Feria Mayor Olga Maldonado, met at the site of the tower to highlight the improvements made.
Maldonado called the project a big thing for La Feria and for rural residents.
“We need to let our friends know about this,” she said. “Paying $28 a month for Internet services is something people can afford. This a much-needed service and thank you for coming to La Feria.”
VTX has been in Raymondville since 2013 and last month it entered into an agreement with Cameron County to bring its services to several small communities.
They include Lozano, San Pedro, Bluetown and Isla Blanca Park.
The company opened its new headquarters on East Hidalgo Avenue in Raymondville and has been making all sorts of improvements since then.
Its subscribers have grown from 8,000 to more than 40,000 today.
Sebastian Ivanisky, chief technical officer with VTX1, said he is familiar with the tower as he worked on it several years ago.
However, he said the improvements VTX1 has made are cutting-edge technology.
“It’s not a tower to receive satellite or for telephone signals,” he said. “It’s a tower to send reliable and faster Internet services.”
VTX 1 statement
Later, VTX 1 issued this statement:
“Today marked a momentous occasion as we officially launched our next generation Fixed Wireless Access service in the La Feria area.
“With speeds starting at 100 Mbps for $30 and the potential for Gigabit speeds in the near future we’re thrilled to enhance connectivity for Cameron County residents.
“Our COO, Orlando Quintanilla, served as the master of ceremonies, guiding us through this milestone event. We were honored to have Cameron County Commissioner for Precinct 4, Gus Ruiz, join us in celebration and welcome the invited guests.
“CEO Patrick McDonnell shared inspiring remarks reaffirming our commitment to bridging the digital divide. Our partnership with Cameron County underscores our dedication to empower communities through accessible, reliable internet.
“Mayor Olga H. Maldonado echoed the sentiment, encouraging everyone to spread the word about this groundbreaking service now available in La Feria.
“Chief Technical Officer Sebastian Ivanisky delved into the technology behind our service, highlighting its game-changing potential for rural internet access.
“Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special occasion. Together, we’re shaping a more connected future.
“We hope to see you next week at our groundbreaking ceremony in Lozano. Stay tuned for more updates on how VTX1 Internet is transforming lives through innovation.”
Tyler Fields is your internet guru, delving into the latest trends, developments, and issues shaping the online world. With a focus on internet culture, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, Tyler keeps readers informed about the dynamic landscape of the internet and its impact on our digital lives.
