April 8, 2025 - Harris County, TX - The Harris County Commissioners Court approved a review and update of Harris County’s comprehensive broadband plan to support and enhance the County’s ongoing work to improve and expand broadband access to County residents. The initiative ensures that Harris County’s Broadband Plan aligns with changes in technology, policies, resident needs and the county’s vision for connectivity.
“We thank the Harris County Commissioners Court for approving a review and update of Harris County Broadband Plan and for their support of this vital work,” said Sindhu Menon, Harris County’s Chief Information Officer and Executive Director of Harris County Universal Services. “Their leadership demonstrates our county’s commitment to improving access to essential economic development tools, like high-quality Internet, for Harris County residents. This work will ensure that Harris County continues to offer vital services to its residents and continues as one of the best places to live and work in Texas.”
HCUS Chief Technology Officer Girish Ramachandran addresses Harris County stakeholders during the Broadband Planning Workshop,
Harris County has partnered with US Ignite, a national nonprofit with technical expertise in connectivity and technology innovation, to lead the work. The project will thoroughly review the existing broadband plan, assets, operations, and processes, and conduct a detailed analysis of stakeholder interviews, including hosting listening sessions and facilitated workshops with Harris County stakeholder including elected offices, library, and departments. The updates to the plan are slated to be delivered to Harris County officials in May 2025.
“As a nonprofit with over a decade of experience in supporting communities as they address their toughest technological challenges, we’re excited to work with Harris County. Our team has been amazed at their deep commitment to this work, and the County has shown tremendous foresight by investing in strategic broadband planning,” said Domenick Lasorsa, US Ignite Community Innovation Manager. “These efforts, combined with the planning and resulting investments, can help the County leverage new technologies to help residents, identify the most cost-effective investments, and create a digital infrastructure that meets the needs of their residents today and for the next decade.”
The updated Harris County Broadband Plan will provide a roadmap for expanding Internet connectivity across the county. This will enable improved access for the county’s education institutions, healthcare providers, and economic development efforts. Through this initiative, the County aims to shrink the digital divide, promote innovation and economic development, and support the growing needs of residents and businesses.
About Harris County Universal Services: (Harris County Universal Services (HCUS) is the solutions partner for Harris County residents, departments and offices of Harris County, Texas. HCUS designs, implements, and maintains high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective products and services for its customers. The department provides comprehensive support through seven business services divisions and three supporting divisions. HCUS provides a wide array of services ranging from 311 to disaster planning to telecommunications and much more.
About US Ignite: US Ignite works closely with communities, military bases, startups, and researchers to solve their toughest economic development and technology innovation challenges. Operating like a high-tech startup, our nonprofit organization delivers customized results through stakeholder engagement, technical expertise, and targeted tools. In collaboration with our partners, we deliver project outcomes that include breakthrough technologies while creating innovative new jobs, startups, and services. Learn more at us-ignite.org.