Five Southside cities will be connected by approximately 100 miles of fiber-optic connections from two trans-Atlantic cables, The Marea (Spain) and Brusa (Brazi). This Regional Connectivity Ring backbone will expand affordable broadband access to underserved and unserved communities as well as advance innovation, improve educational opportunities and attract business investment with the fastest internet speeds available in the USA. The HRPDC has established a Regional Broadband Steering Committee and is spearheading the collaborative project. A cost analysis study is underway.