NTIA Seeks Comment on How to Spend $2.5 Billion in Digital Equity Act
Broadband Breakfast
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced Wednesday that it is seeking comment on how to structure the $2.5 billion that the Digital Equity Act provides to promote digital equity and inclusion.
As part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Digital Equity Act consists of two sub-programs, the State Digital Equity Capacity grant and the Digital Equity Competitive grant. Comments will guide how the NTIA will design, regulate, and evaluate criteria for both programs.
Spectrum, Gov. John Bel Edwards and Area Leaders Break Ground on Broadband Network
Charter Communications
Spectrum representatives joined Gov. John Bel Edwards and other community leaders today to break ground on construction of a fiber-optic network buildout that will ultimately bring gigabit broadband and other Spectrum services to more than 500 homes and small businesses in Livingston Parish.
Gov. Edwards, officials to discuss La. economy, internet access
WAFB 9
Governor John Bel Edwards will join officials at Southern University for a news conference Tuesday, Feb. 14.
The governor, along with SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, Congressman Troy Carter, Southern University President Dennis Shields, and other officials at Southern, plan to discuss investments and initiatives under the direction of President Biden that expand economic opportunity and prosperity throughout Louisiana.
Livingston Parish to receive broadband network through GUMBO grant
BRProud
Spectrum representatives joined Governor John Bel Edwards and other community leaders to break ground on the construction of a fiber-optic network buildout through broadband.
This will ultimately bring gigabit broadband and other Spectrum services to over 500 homes and small businesses in Livingston Parish.
Community leaders, Spectrum reps help Governor break ground on broadband project
AN17
Spectrum representatives joined Gov. John Bel Edwards and other community leaders today to break ground on construction of a fiber-optic network buildout that will ultimately bring gigabit broadband and other Spectrum services to more than 500 homes and small businesses in Livingston Parish.
Spectrum, Gov. John Bel Edwards and Area Leaders Break Ground on Broadband Network
Office of the Governor
Gov. John Bel Edwards and other community leaders joined Spectrum officials to break ground on construction of a fiber-optic network buildout that will ultimately bring gigabit broadband and other services to more than 500 homes and small businesses in Livingston Parish.
Gov. Edwards urges federal government to fast track broadband funding review
In a letter to the federal government, Gov. Edwards urged agencies to accelerate their review of how best to administer remaining broadband funding. The letter to the FCC and NTIA asks these agencies not to delay current federal timelines for initiatives such as the FCC’s mapping challenge and also emphasized the urgency with which Louisianians need access to broadband.
State Rep. Mike Johnson, Connect LA urge residents to ‘challenge the map’ for statewide internet access
KALB
The Federal Communications Commission has published new broadband service and availability maps, which will be used to determine how much funding states across the country will receive from the federal government to provide internet access to underserved areas within their state.
Connect LA is calling on citizens of Louisiana to challenge the accuracy of these maps to accurately provide high-speed internet access for all Louisianians by 2029.
Fall Newsletter
ConnectLA
As we prepare for 2023, we are excited to get underserved residents connected and hope Louisianians learn from these residents' resilience and determination.
This newsletter will give you a brief look at the work we have been doing the past few months, along with some photos of us in action.
Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition Annual Conference
Veneeth Iyengar was a panelist at AnchorNets's 10th Annual Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Conference, where he spoke on how states can prioritize broadband funding on their policy agenda.
Oct. 12-14, 2022
Crystal City, Va.
2022 Johns Hopkins Alumni Association Awards
ConnectLA Executive Director Veneeth Iyengar won an award for his public service at the Johns Hopkins Alumni Association Celebration Dinner on Oct. 7, 2022. The award recognized Johns Hopkins alumni who have elevated the status of the university via their service as elected or appointed public officials.
Oct. 7, 2022
Baltimore, Md.
CenLa Economic Development Summit
Veneeth Iyengar was a keynote speaker at the Louisiana Central Regional Economic Development Summit, where he discussed how increasing investments in broadband will serve as a catalyst for economic development in central Louisiana.
Oct. 4-5, 2022
Alexandria, La.
GNOu Workforce Summit
Veneeth Iyengar served as a panelist at this summit to discuss what local stakeholders need to do to drive job growth in the broadband sector.
Sept. 29, 2022
New Orleans, La.
ConnectLA Broadband Solutions Summit
ConnectLA, in partnership with the National Telecommunications & Information Administration, hosted the inaugural Broadband Solutions Summit on Aug. 31, 2022, in Alexandria. This summit brought together stakeholders from government and business to discuss recent developments in broadband. Gov. John Bel Edwards also gave keynote remarks.
Aug. 31, 2022
Alexandria, La.
Action Lab on Leveling the Academic Playing Field
The Action Lab on Leveling the Academic Playing Field is hosted by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), the National Governors Association and the Education Strategy Group (ESG) and brings together various stakeholders to discuss the role of postsecondary education in digital equity planning for states.
Aug. 24-25, 2022
Washington, D.C.
Broadband Solutions Summit Registration
ConnectLA, in partnership with the National Telecommunications & Information Administration, is hosting the inaugural Broadband Solutions Summit on Aug. 31, 2022, at The Hotel Bentley in Alexandria.
This free summit will bring together critical stakeholders from federal, state and local government, as well as business owners, tribal communities and other key partners.
Summer Newsletter
Here at ConnectLA, in the spirit of the new academic year, we wanted to share some of what we accomplished this summer.
We traveled to affected areas to meet with residents. We spoke at events to discuss the work we are doing. Some of us even moved to another state (more on this later). Most importantly, we placed the first solid stake in the ground in our efforts to close the digital divide in Louisiana by investing $130 million to provide access to high-speed internet throughout the state.
SBLN Summer Summit 2022
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Summer SBLN Summit convened state broadband staff and encouraged them to share priorities and discuss best practices and emerging telecommunications policy issues. The summit focused on federal broadband programs that states will play a key role in implementing.
Aug. 3-5, 2022
Westminster, Colo.
NCSL Legislative Summit 2022
Each year, The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) brings together legislators and legislative staff for the Legislative Summit, the largest and most substantive meeting of its kind in the nation. Veneeth Iyengar served on a panel with other state broadband directors to discuss broadband expansion.
Aug. 1-3, 2022
Denver, Colo.
ACEC Deep South Convention
The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Deep South Convention brings together owners and key principals from premier engineering and service provider firms in the Deep South. Veneeth Iyengar served on a panel with other southeastern state agencies to discuss Louisiana's approach to broadband expansion.
July 21-23, 2022
Miramar Beach, Fla.
May Newsletter
April is a busy time in Baton Rouge, in large part because the State Capitol is bustling with legislators and community leaders from throughout the state for the 2022 Regular Legislative Session. Our office and GUMBO grant program were born in the Legislature, and each year, we pay close attention to bills related to broadband in Louisiana. Let's take a look at a few of the measures that will be considered in the coming weeks regarding our work here at ConnectLA.
Springhill small business owner on broadband in rural Louisiana
Chillon Caraway wears many hats. She is the brand manager of the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency, producer of The Gifted Life podcast, founder and CEO of CC Brand Studio and mother to two teenage boys.
ConnectLA's Sydney McGovern features small business owner and rural Louisianian, Chillon Caraway.
Shreveport technology department takes a unique approach to solving the urban digital divide
Think about the saying “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” The applications for this adage are limitless, and for Keith Hanson, Shreveport’s chief technology officer, his lemons were unreliable broadband usage maps. And his lemonade? Garbage trucks.
ConnectLA's Sydney McGovern highlights Shreveport's unique way of eliminating the digital divide.
March Newsletter
This week, ConnectLA celebrates its one year anniversary. It is hard to believe our work started here a year ago, and it's even harder to imagine the progress we have made since March 29, 2021. We've come a long way since drafting grant rules, connecting with local leaders throughout the state and launching the application and review process for our GUMBO grant.
Small-town mayor ushers in big-time progress for broadband in Grosse Tete
Sydney McGovern from ConnectLA highlights Grosse Tete Mayor Michael Chauffe and his efforts to deliver much needed broadband to his village.
February Newsletter
In 2021, we established ConnectLA and built the framework to address the digital divide in Louisiana. The time we've spent building relationships, engaging with communities and preparing for the launch of GUMBO has prepared us for 2022—our year of execution.
This year, we will see the construction of projects funded by the GUMBO program and the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, as well as critical planning for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Louisiana Ranks Third in Nation for Emergency Broadband Benefit Enrollment Rate
Louisiana ranks third in the nation for EBB adoption, according to BroadbandNow research. More than 215,000 eligible households are receiving this benefit, representing hundreds of thousands of Louisianians with better, more affordable access to broadband.
Reflecting on 2021
Can you imagine life without internet? I recently came across an article published in 2000, citing a report that the internet is a "passing fad." Of course, this seems ridiculous to us now. Especially with the pandemic, we have learned just how vital the internet is to our everyday lives, from paying bills to connecting with loved ones.
Louisiana farmer leverages broadband to maintain a more efficient and competitive farming business
Sydney McGovern from ConnectLA highlights the benefits broadband brings to Hardwick Planting Company in Tensas Parish in ConnectLA's second human impact story.
Message from the executive director
To be one of only three states invited to speak at the National Governors Association Infrastructure Summit means a great deal to us as ConnectLA, and it should mean a great deal to all Louisianians as well. Click to read about Veneeth Iyengar's time at the NGA Infrastructure Summit.
View a video message from Executive Director Veneeth Iyengar
As our team has traveled through the state, we have heard from some folks who fear that they will miss out on broadband funding if they don't apply to or get selected for the first round of GUMBO. Do not fear!
Louisiana school systems work to eliminate the digital divide: ‘It's breaking those barriers down’
Sydney McGovern from ConnectLA highlights schools' struggles from the beginning of the pandemic to now in ConnectLA's latest human impact story.
November Newsletter
The first GUMBO application period is now live and continues through Dec. 31. The enthusiasm and support we received was tremendous. There is a common notion that government is ineffective or doesn't move fast enough; our office works to challenge this notion every day.
October Newsletter
November will mark a pivotal point in the journey to eliminating the digital divide with the launch of our statewide broadband grant program known as GUMBO. As they say, success has many fathers. Together, all of you have contributed to our progress thus far, and we thank you!
View a message from Gov. John Bel Edwards of Louisiana
ConnectLA
In support of National Digital Inclusion Week, we are thrilled to share this message from Gov. Edwards. Addressing issues surrounding access, affordability and digital literacy will ensure that we eliminate the digital divide by 2029.
September Newsletter
Check in on ConnectLA’s progress. Read more about our reaction to Hurricane Ida, changes to the GUMBO application period and our digital navigators roundtable.
Meet the team
Meet the people behind the effort to eliminate the digital divide by 2029.