US Ignite Leads Broadband Plan Development for Nation’s Third-Largest County

Harris County, TX Partners with US Ignite on Broadband Plan Initiative

US Ignite, a national nonprofit with technical expertise in connectivity and technology innovation, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Harris County, Texas, the third-largest county in the United States. US Ignite will develop a comprehensive broadband plan for the county. The initiative ensures that Harris County’s Broadband Plan aligns with changes in technology, policies, and the county’s vision for connectivity.

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US Ignite leads broadband planning workshop for Harris County leaders

“US Ignite’s expertise in broadband planning, technology evaluation, and funding strategies will help us develop a Broadband Plan that is both ambitious and actionable,” said Sindu Menon, Chief Information Officer and Executive Director of Harris County Universal Services. “Reliable high-speed Internet is no longer a luxury—it’s necessary for economic opportunity.”

As part of this initiative, US Ignite will comprehensively evaluate Harris County’s existing broadband plan, ensuring it aligns with the field’s best practices and recent advancements in broadband strategy. US Ignite will assess the plan’s objectives, ensuring they support Harris County’s vision for Internet access, infrastructure, affordability, governance, and innovation. Additionally, US Ignite will evaluate how well the plan can respond to technological advancements, policy changes, and unforeseen challenges and gather direct input from key local stakeholders. A priority will be ensuring consistency in wide broadband expansion, emphasizing affordability and accessibility for various communities.

“As a nonprofit with over a decade of experience in aiding communities with their toughest technological challenges, we’re excited to work with Harris County, which has shown tremendous foresight by investing in strategic broadband planning,” said Domenick Lasorsa, US Ignite Community Innovation Manager. “This type of planning can help counties across the nation identify the smartest investments, leverage new technologies, and create a digital infrastructure that meets the needs of their residents.”

Harris County’s investment in broadband planning reflects a growing trend among local governments that recognize Internet access as critical infrastructure. With rapid technological advancements, evolving community needs, and new funding opportunities, counties nationwide must develop or revisit broadband plans to remain competitive. An updated Harris County Broadband Plan positions the county to be competitive for federal and state broadband funding opportunities.

US Ignite plans to deliver the broadband plan to Harris County officials in May 2025. The plan will provide a roadmap for expanding Internet connectivity across the county, enabling improved access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Through this initiative, the county aims to close the digital divide, promote innovation, 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.

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"Reliable high-speed Internet is no longer a luxury—it’s necessary for economic opportunity." -Sindu Menon, Chief Information Officer and Executive Director of Harris County Universal Services