Bluebonnet Fiber Submits Application to Expand Service to Big Wells

Bluebonnet Fiber is proud to announce the submission of our application for federal funding to deliver affordable and reliable fiber internet service to the City of Big Wells and surrounding rural Dimmit County residents. This initiative represents a significant step in our mission to bridge the digital divide in underserved rural Texas communities.

Project Overview

The proposed project will bring transformative connectivity to Big Wells, a vibrant community in Dimmit County with approximately 700 residents that has been historically underserved by high-speed internet providers. Our comprehensive plan includes:

• Burying just under 120 miles of fiber optic cable
• Providing significant improvements to the Big Wells community center, including the installation of 10 public-access computers
• Offering free internet service to 11 essential community facilities (including city hall and the Volunteer Fire Department) for 2 years
• Extending service coverage to most addresses along TX-85 between Carrizo Springs and the Frio County line
• Ensuring complete coverage within Big Wells and Brundage

Community Support

The application process has been bolstered by overwhelming support from local residents, businesses, and government officials. Community engagement has been a cornerstone of our planning phase, with numerous public meetings and consultations held to ensure the network design meets the specific needs of Big Wells residents.

"The response from the Big Wells community has been incredible," said Chris Flores, Bluebonnet Fiber's Public Relations Manager. "Residents understand how critical high-speed internet access is for education, healthcare, economic development, and overall quality of life. Their enthusiasm and support have been instrumental in shaping our proposal."

Timeline and Next Steps

The application has been submitted to the US Department of Agriculture as part of their rural development initiatives. If approved, construction is expected to begin in Q4 2025, with the first homes and businesses connected to the network by Q1 2026. Full coverage of Big Wells and the surrounding area is projected to be completed by Q4 2026.

Our project timeline includes:

• Planning Phase (Q4 2024): Initial surveys and network design - Completed
• Community Engagement (Q1 2025): Meeting with local officials and community members - Ongoing
• Application Submission (Q2 2025): Proposal submitted to the US Department of Agriculture - Completed
• Construction (Q4 2025): Breaking ground and beginning fiber backbone installation - Pending approval
• First Connections (Q1 2026): Initial homes and businesses connected
• Full Coverage (Q4 2026): Complete service deployment throughout the service area

Pre-Registration Now Open

Residents of Big Wells and surrounding areas can now pre-register their interest in service. Pre-registration helps us prioritize neighborhoods and plan our network deployment more efficiently, ensuring that areas with the highest demand are connected first.

Economic and Social Impact

The arrival of fiber internet in Big Wells is expected to have far-reaching benefits beyond basic connectivity. High-speed internet access will enable:

• Enhanced educational opportunities through reliable access to online learning resources
• Improved healthcare access via telemedicine services
• New business opportunities and economic development
• Increased property values
• Better access to government services and information
• Stronger community connections through improved communication infrastructure

"This project represents more than just internet service—it's about creating digital equity and ensuring that rural communities like Big Wells aren't left behind in our increasingly connected world," said Wyatt Ciomperlik, CEO of Bluebonnet Fiber. "We're committed to building infrastructure that will serve this community for generations to come."

About Bluebonnet Fiber

Bluebonnet Fiber is dedicated to bringing high-speed fiber internet to underserved rural communities across Texas. With a focus on reliability, affordability, and exceptional customer service, we're working to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all Texans have access to the connectivity they need to thrive in today's digital world.