HCPL Connected & Digital Access FAQs

  • General Questions

    Harris County Universal Services' Office of Broadband may be able to help you find affordable home internet service. Visit the Digital Access Page for more information.

    Yes. You can transfer the service and continue to use the MiFi hotspot you received from the library or one of its partners. 

    For information about low cost home internet service visit Harris County Universal Services' Office of Broadband Digital Acces Page

    Federal funding for the Emergency Connectivity Fund has not been extended. HCPL is not anticipating another round of Chromebook distributions.  

    Many HCPL staff members can assist users with basic computing and common software questions. HCPL cannot provide in-depth troubleshooting or technical support.  Visit Chromebook Technical Support Online  for technical support

    T-Mobile Internet service ended December 31, 2023 for ECF devices.

    Your ECF Chromebook can connect to other available WiFi sources including the free WiFi at all HCPL locations.  Click HERE for a map of FREE Wi-Fi in Harris County

    You can also transfer internet service to your T-Mobile device. Harris County Office of Broadband may be able to help you find low cost home internet service. Click HERE for more information

    Internet service ends December 31, 2023 for ECF devices.

    When mobile data ends, your ECF Chromebook can connect to other available WiFi sources including the free WiFi at all HCPL locations.  Click HERE for a map of FREE Wi-Fi in Harris County

    You can also transfer internet service to your T-Mobile device

    Harris County Office of Broadband may be able to help you find low cost home internet service. Click HERE for more information

    The Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) is using $7.7 billion in American Rescue Plan Act funding through the FCC/USAC E-rate program. Schools and libraries across the country were invited to send in proposals. The goal of the program, for libraries, is to connect otherwise unconnected patrons to the internet in their homes. While the school side of the program is focused on connecting students to eliminate the homework gap, the library program is designed to connect library patrons of all ages. HCPL applied to receive 15,000 Chromebooks and 40,000 T-Mobile WiFi devices.  

    HCPL does not have any Chromebooks or charging cables to replace lost, stolen or broken ones.

    Damaged devices should be returned to an HCPL location.  You will not be charged for lost, stolen, or damaged devices. 

    No, HCPL staff do not have the ability to remove restrictions or CIPA filtering from the devices.  

    No. ECF Chromebooks are provided with funding from the federal government and contain Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) Content Filtering. CIPA Filtering prohibits the viewing and use of several streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, Amazon Video, and others. Please see the CIPA Content Filtering document for a full list of filters. You will receive this document with all the filters at your orientation appointment.  

    Your ECF Chromebook does not need to be returned.