News Summary
Austin and Harris County libraries are launching initiatives to provide residents with free internet access. The programs include borrowing 5G hotspots and Chromebooks, aiming to bridge the digital divide for local communities. The Austin Public Library offers hotspots to cardholders, while Harris County Public Library allows permanent checkout of 40,000 hotspots and 10,000 Chromebooks. Funded by $30 million from the American Rescue Plan, these resources seek to enhance educational and employment opportunities for those lacking reliable internet access.
Austin and Harris County Libraries Bring Free Internet to Residents
In a fantastic move to boost connectivity, Austin and Harris County are rolling out exciting new programs through their public libraries! These initiatives aim to equip local residents with free access to the internet, offering both 5G hotspots and Chromebooks to help bridge the digital divide.
Hotspots for Austin Cardholders
The Austin Public Library is providing its cardholders with the chance to borrow 5G hotspots. What does that mean for you? If you have a library card, you can sign up to take home a hotspot that lets you connect your computers, tablets, and smartphones to high-speed internet. This is especially great for people who might not have reliable internet access at home!
With these hotspots, you can enjoy seamless internet service wherever you are, perfect for working on assignments, attending virtual meetings, or just surfing the web. Devices are available for rent for three weeks at a time, so you can have consistent access when you need it most. To snag one, make sure you have a valid library card and that your late fees don’t exceed $25. It’s as easy as signing up online and picking up your hotspot at your local branch!
Harris County Goes Big with Permanent Checkout
Not to be outdone, the Harris County Public Library is launching a huge initiative that allows residents to permanently check out an impressive 40,000 mobile Wi-Fi hotspots and 10,000 Chromebooks. This means that if you live in Harris County, you can get your hands on this tech to use at home or on the go.
A staggering 640,000 households in Houston don’t have home internet service according to the last Census. By providing Wi-Fi hotspots that can connect your laptop or tablet, the library hopes to tackle this issue head-on. The program not only focuses on improving digital access but is also designed to enhance opportunities for education, job searching, and telemedicine services.
Funding the Connectivity
The funds for this meaningful program come from a generous $30 million allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act. This money is being used to create the Connected program, which aims to provide vital resources to the community.
Harris County residents can borrow Inseego 5G MiFi hotspots powered by T-Mobile, making them ultra-portable and easy to use anywhere—be it at home, in a park, or at a café. As part of the Connected program, the library will also offer 10,000 Chromebooks specifically aimed at children who lack their own devices for educational purposes.
Easy Access for All
If you’re interested in taking advantage of these opportunities, remember that you’ll need a Harris County Library card to borrow devices. Don’t worry, obtaining a library card is free! Simply show proof of your Harris County address, and you’re all set. Educational resources are within your reach!
Additional Resources
For families looking for ways to reduce their internet costs, the Affordable Connectivity Program is available. This initiative can provide qualified households with a $30 monthly discount on home internet services. Additionally, there’s a one-time discount of $100 for eligible devices. To qualify for the ACP, your household income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guideline, which for a family of three is currently around $46,060.
Curious to learn more? Local residents can head to any of the 26 branches of the Harris County Public Library for more detailed information and to get started on enhancing their digital experience.
These initiatives by the Austin and Harris County libraries are truly a game-changer, opening up new doors for countless individuals and families in the community. So, don’t miss out on the chance to get connected!
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Additional Resources
- KVUE: Austin Public Library Rentable 5G Hotspots
- Wikipedia: 5G
- KVUE: 5G Wi-Fi Hotspots Available at Austin Public Library
- Google Search: Austin Public Library Wi-Fi
- FOX 26 Houston: Harris County Library Giving Out Wi-Fi Hotspots and Chromebooks
- Google Scholar: Digital Divide
- KVUE: Free Wi-Fi for Austin Library Cardholders
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Internet Access
- KVUE: Harris County Permanent Hotspots and Computers Offer
- Google News: Harris County Library Internet
