Primary Department: Universal Services
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Sindhu Menon, Executive Director & CIO
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Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Transmittal
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Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
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Transmittal by Universal Services of the Harris County Broadband Task Force biannual report.
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Background and Discussion:
On March 3, 2026, the Harris County Broadband Task Force held its inaugural meeting. Members of the Task Force listed their broadband priorities and elected the Task Force's first Vice-Chair. A presentation on the state of connectivity and current County Broadband initiatives was delivered, and included:
92% of Harris County Households have broadband internet subscriptions. Thus, over 140,000 households remain without broadband internet subscriptions.
In 2025, 100,000 residents connected to Harris County's free Public Wi-Fi network across 83 locations managed by Universal Services and the Public Libraries.
During January and February 2026, the Universal Services Community Engagement team conducted 72 digital skills classes attended by 700 residents.
Next steps include reviewing the Harris County Broadband Roadmap to guide strategic priorities and recommendations, and considering the establishment of committees to support targeted areas of work.
Expected Impact:
The biannual report provides an overview of the Harris County Broadband Task Force's inaugural meeting and outlines its next steps.
Alternative Options:
County Strategic Plan Goal: 2. Connect our community with saf...
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