Harris County Public Library Launches T-Mobile 5G Internet Connectivity Campaign for Business
$30M Federal Emergency Connectivity Fund grant is the largest ever awarded to a library system
HOUSTON –News Direct– T-Mobile
HOUSTON & BELLEVUE, Wash., February 9, 2022 / 3BL Media / — The Harris County Public Library (HCPL) is partnering with T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) and Google to launch HCPL Connected, an internet connectivity campaign at the community-wide for Harris County residents in need of online access. The program will provide 40,000 T-Mobile 5G MiFi hotspots with unlimited data on T-Mobile’s nationwide 5G network and 15,000 Chromebook laptops.
Harris County Public Library cardholders who do not have adequate internet access will be able to borrow a T-Mobile hotspot or a Chromebook, or both, from any of the 26 branch libraries in HCPL and 20 community partner sites. To visit www.hcpl.net for locations.
The Harris County Public Library Connected initiative is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act approved by Congress in March to help schools and libraries provide essential online resources to students and library patrons by meeting the needs of distance learning and equitable access. Providing educational resources that connect students with college and career readiness, digital literacies, foundational literacies, mentoring, scholarships, and workforce development components inspire innovation and exploring. The plan includes the Federal Communications Commission’s Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF), which is designed to increase broadband Internet access in the community. Schools and libraries across the country were invited to submit proposals for the grants, of which the Harris County Public Library received about $30 million, the largest given to a library system.
HCPL chose T-Mobile because it wanted residents to have the fastest and most reliable 5G network. “HCPL is thrilled to partner with T-Mobile and Google to help bridge the digital divide in our community,” said Edward Melton, executive director of the Harris County Public Library. “By providing adequate access to connectivity and technology, we help improve the quality of life and strengthen our community, in line with our mission to be a path to knowledge.”
All that is required to borrow a T-Mobile hotspot or Chromebook is a valid Harris County Public Library card, a visit to the library, and the completion of an in-person request. Harris County residents who do not currently have a library card can receive one at any HCPL branch or partner location. The initial severance period will last until 06/30/2022, although HCPL is exploring additional sources of funding to expand the program.
“T-Mobile has a long-standing commitment to using our 5G network, scale and resources for good in helping to build a more connected and equitable future for all. Supporting customers like the Harris County Public Library in a initiative to break down barriers to access is a great example of how we can open even more doors of opportunity by coming together,” said Dave Bezzant, T-Mobile vice president for government. Numeric fraction.
To help HCPL borrowers maximize their T-Mobile hotspots and Chromebooks, quick-start guides will be distributed at checkout, computer classes will be held in person at libraries, and video tutorials will be available online. on www.hcpl.net/services/digital-access.
HCPL selected Chromebooks because it wanted its residents to have access to a rugged yet user-friendly mobile computer. “Connectivity matters to every community, which is why the work of the Connectivity Emergency Fund is essential to closing the digital divide,” says Thomas Riedl, director of Chrome OS product management. “We are proud to play a part in the ECF project. through the Harris County Public Library. Chrome OS’s ability to seamlessly and securely share devices between users makes it a natural complement to T hotspots. -Mobile to serve as many people as possible.
For more information about the Harris County Public Library and its programs and services for Harris County residents, visit https://www.hcpl.net/services.
Follow Harris County on social media for the latest library programs, events and news @Harriscountypl.
For more information on T-Mobile for Business initiatives for schools, libraries, colleges and universities, visit https://www.t-mobile.com/business/education.
Follow the official T-Mobile Twitter Newsroom @TMobileNews to stay up to date with the latest company news.
The most reliable: According to an independent third-party umlaut from crowdsourced user experience data (April to September 2021). The fastest: Based on median and overall 5G speeds combined as per Ookla® analysis of Speedtest Intelligence® 5G data download speeds for Q4 2021. See 5G device, coverage and access details on T-Mobile.com.
About Harris County Public LibraryThe mission of the Harris County Public Library (HCPL) is to provide information and resources to enrich lives and strengthen communities through innovative services within and beyond our walls. The library has an annual circulation of over 10 million items and is a network of 26 community-focused sub-libraries committed to providing excellent customer service, strong collections, and state-of-the-art information technology. To visit www.hcpl.net for more information.
About T-MobileT-Mobile US Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS) is America’s supercharged carrier, delivering an advanced 4G LTE and transformative nationwide 5G network that will deliver reliable connectivity for everyone. T-Mobile customers benefit from its unmatched combination of value and quality, its unwavering obsession with providing them with the best possible service experience, and its unquestionable drive for disruption that creates competition and innovation in the wireless. thread and beyond. Headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, T-Mobile provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Sprint. For more information, please visit: https://www.t-mobile.com.
Media Contacts
Harris County Public Library Megan LeMaster, Division Manager – Research and [email protected]
Discover additional media content and more ESG stories from T-Mobile at 3blmedia.com
See the source version on newsdirect.com: https://newsdirect.com/news/harris-county-public-library-launches-internet-connect-campaign-with-5g-from-t-mobile-for-business-982330121