Harris County Universal Services is continuing a major broadband initiative to give more county residents access to free wireless internet and more opportunity to participate in internet-based services.

According to Andrew Keene, network architect with HCUS-IT Infrastructure, the broadband team installed or improved WiFi in 23 parks and community centers in high-need areas across Harris County from January to April. Now the team is ready to do the same in 25 more public facilities from May to July.

According to Robert Foster, HCUS technical liaison, Harris County is utilizing Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to create more WiFi hotspots so residents without home internet can still engage in education, telemedicine, employment searches and other online services.

"This is a long-term plan to increase and improve access to county-provided internet services," Foster said.

HCUS Director of IT Infrastructure Lee Morgan said, "The broadband office has been established to emphasize digital inclusion for populations in need. We're proud to partner with the Harris County Commissioners Court to help close digital divides in our communities and raise the quality of life with more public internet."