Louisiana becomes the first state in the nation to distribute Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) infrastructure dollars to internet service providers as part of the program’s initial 10% payment. ConnectLA works to expand high-speed internet access and close the digital divide across the state.
"People want to know when the work is going to happen, and this milestone moves us closer to that. These funds will help move projects from planning into construction so families and businesses can start seeing progress in their own communities. I’m incredibly appreciative of President Trump and the Louisiana delegation for helping Louisiana get here, and I’m grateful to the ConnectLA team for continuing to push this work forward every day." said Governor Jeff Landry.
"Getting these dollars out is a big practical step for our state, said Veneeth Iyengar, Executive Director of Connect LA. It means providers can line up crews, order materials and finally get shovels in the ground."
Through ConnectLA, the state has now distributed BEAD infrastructure funds to providers with fully executed grant agreements, allowing construction activities to begin and accelerating broadband deployment in unserved and underserved communities statewide.
To date, Louisiana has executed agreements with the following providers, representing a combined investment of more than $430 million in broadband infrastructure and moving construction forward at more than 115,000 additional locations.
For more information visit connect.la.gov
