Louisiana is Depending on the ACP to Eliminate the Digital Divide
Benton Institute for Broadband and Society
Affordability is a key barrier to broadband adoption, especially for low-income households. Some 15 percent of home broadband users in the United States said they had trouble paying for their high-speed internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. That includes 34 percent of those with household incomes of less than $30,000 a year.
In Louisiana, households with low incomes are far less likely to subscribe to broadband service (59.5%) than the average American household in the same income bracket (67.5%).
Comcast Expanding Broadband Network in Bossier City, Louisiana
Bossier Press-Tribune
Comcast is working to connect about 3,500 underserved homes in Bossier City, La., by the end of the year. The expansion will provide families access to high-speed, reliable Internet as well as the full suite of Xfinity services, and follows Comcast’s initial entry into the market in January.
GUMBO grant helps unserved area get broadband for the first time
ConnectLA
Some Louisiana communities have never had high-speed, affordable internet access, but thanks to REV Business and the GUMBO grant program, these areas are finally getting connected.
The Eroche family hasn't had access to internet or cable since building their Thibodaux home in 1996. Although internet was available about 1,000 feet north and a mile south, the family lived in an unserved gap.
Livingston Parish Library patrons can check out iPads
ActionNews17
As part of its mission to fulfill the community’s informational, educational, recreational, and cultural needs, the Livingston Parish Library is proud to announce the availability of iPads for checkout.
This pilot is led by the Louisiana Board of Regents and LOUIS: the Louisiana Library Network in partnership with Connect LA and the State Library of Louisiana.
High-speed broadband internet installed throughout Lafourche Parish
WGNO
Governor John Bel Edwards is in Thibodaux on Monday, Aug. 28, cutting the ribbon on the newly completed project bringing high-speed internet to Lafourche.
The project is called the Lafourche Crossing project. It’s part of the GUMBO project, which stands for “Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities”
Gov. Edwards, White House and Local Officials Celebrate Project to Bring High-Speed Internet to Lafourche Crossing
Bossier Press-Tribune
Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards joined members of the Biden-Harris administration along with members of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation, local officials, state lawmakers and other stakeholders to announce the completion of the Lafourche Crossing GUMBO project that will help further close the digital divide across Louisiana.
Broadband subsidy program that millions use will expire next year if Congress doesn’t act
Associated Press
One of the features that President Joe Biden cited in his plan to bring internet to every home and business in the United States by 2030 was affordability. But an important federal program established to keep broadband costs down for low-income households is set to expire next year.
Virginia and Louisiana Each Release BEAD Implementation Plans, Volume Two
Broadband Breakfast
Virginia became the first state to release volume two of its Broadband Equity Access and Deployment program for public comment last week, followed closely by Louisiana on Friday.
State Broadband Leaders Ask for Provider Cooperation on BEAD
Broadband Breakfast
State broadband leaders on a Fiber Connect panel urged providers to engage with state offices as much as possible during the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program process.
Texas, Louisiana and New Mexico laying groundwork for greater internet connectivity
Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
While the digital divide is wide in poor and more isolated areas of Texas, Louisiana and New Mexico, concerted efforts are taking shape across the region to close it. There are ongoing public efforts to improve digital inclusion, including the Affordable Connectivity Program and the Digital Navigator Program specific to Louisiana.
Fiber Connect 2023
Thomas Tyler attended Fiber Broadband Association's Fiber Connect 2023 where he spoke on a panel titled The Five-Year Plan: A Conversation with State Broadband Officers on What Comes Next.
Aug. 22-23, 2023
Orlando, Fla.
2023 Broadband Montana Annual Meeting
Broadband Montana's annual meeting is a conference attended by more than 100 executives from Montana's telecom industry. Veneeth Iyengar was a keynote speaker to provide an update on Louisiana's broadband efforts.
Aug. 21-23, 2023
Whitefish, Mont.
Tech Policy Institute's Aspen Forum
Government, industry, and academic leaders gather at the Aspen Forum every August to discuss plans for the coming year. Deputy Director, Thomas Tyler spoke on the future of broadband in Louisiana and BEAD allocation procedures.
Aug. 21-22, 2023
Aspen, Colo.
2023 Telecommunications Management Conference
Thomas Tyler spoke on a panel at the Telecommunications Management Conference, held by Moss Adams, where he discussed broadband grants alongside other national broadband leaders.
Aug. 21-23, 2023
Salt Lake City, Utah
2023 Pipeline Safety and LA Oil & Gas Regulatory Conference
The Louisiana Gas Association hosted the 2023 Pipeline Safety Conference to meet with industry officials about safety in the operation of oil and gas pipelines. Veneeth Iyengar updated state gas operators on how the state is addressing broadband construction concerns when it comes to safe building.
Aug. 15, 2023
New Orleans, La.
This bill might give small businesses a broadband boost
Business Report
Louisiana’s U.S. Sen. John Kennedy and New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen this week authored a bill to improve access to high-speed internet in rural areas nationwide through the Small Business Administration.
Minority universities receive funding to bring broadband to surrounding areas
ConnectLA
On and off campus, university students need access to fast and reliable broadband.
The National Telecommunication and Information Administration awarded $175 million in grants to 93 minority serving institutions as part of its Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program in February. The program is part of NTIA's Internet For All campaign.
Mountain Connect 2023
Mountain Connect Broadband Development Conference brings together telecommunications industrywide thought leaders, state and federal governmental entities and emerging technology companies. Deputy Director, Thomas Tyler, spoke on a panel of state broadband leads discussing BEAD allocations and proposals.
Aug. 7-9, 2023
Denver, Colo.
ConnectLA encourages ACP reauthorization
ConnectLA
ConnectLA wrote a sign-on letter encouraging Louisiana's federal delegation to vote to reauthorize the Federal Communication Commission's Affordable Connectivity Program before its funding expires in the summer of 2024. The letter received 47 signatures from organizations throughout the state.
Broadband Leaders Summit 2.0
BLS 2.0 is an invitation-only summit focused on how states will implement the BEAD program. Veneeth Iyengar was a panelist with four other state broadband directors to discuss Louisiana's leadership efforts with all things broadband.
July 31-Aug. 2, 2023
Lake Tahoe, Nev.
Digital literacy program enables Louisiana residents to use technology efficiently
ConnectLA
In today’s digital age, the ability to navigate the world through technology is more important than ever. Northstar Digital Literacy is addressing the digital skills divide by helping adults learn how to communicate, find employment and stay informed about the world around them.
Summer 2023 Newsletter
ConnectLA
The last two weeks have been massive for our office. Louisiana received more than $1.3 billion from the federal government for broadband, we published our Five-Year Action Plan and we broke ground on the largest GUMBO-funded project to date. Read about all of that and more in this summer's newsletter.
Power Cooperative Provides New Internet Opportunities for Members
ConnectLA
In 2022, Jeff Churchwell made history. As the general manager of Winnsboro-based Northeast Louisiana Power Cooperative, Churchwell led the initiative to become the first Louisiana electric cooperative to provide broadband for its members.
Rural Fire Department Demonstrates Importance of High-Speed Internet
ConnectLA
For Brian Williams, the battle to gain broadband access for the volunteer fire department in Dixie Inn has been a difficult one.
Williams, the former fire chief of Fire District 7 in Dixie Inn and director of the Webster Parish Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, began working in fire service nearly 23 years ago.
Caddo vocational program offers inmates a second chance
ConnectLA
Rick Bateman believes in second chances. The chancellor for Bossier Parish Community College holds a personal interest in expanding opportunities for incarcerated people through vocational programs at correctional facilities.
Recognizing the opportunity and need for a fiber optics workforce in Louisiana, Bateman proposed a new fiber optics vocational program for the Caddo Correctional Center...
2023 Wireless Infrastructure Association Connectivity Expo
The 2023 Connectivity Expo was focused on universal 5G coverage. Leaders from every industry sector were present to engage with the latest solutions and connect with new partners. Veneeth Iyengar was a plenary speaker to discuss the progress Louisiana has made in all things broadband and spoke about how the state plans to spend BEAD infrastructure dollars.
May 8-10, 2023
New Orleans, La.
April Newsletter
ConnectLA
While we may not hold Mardi Gras parades to celebrate our residents receiving internet access, the feeling is just as joyful. Over the past few months, we celebrated the completion or groundbreaking of many broadband projects. Some providers have even begun taking on customers in these newly served areas.
2023 Broadband Leaders Workshop
The National Governor's Association hosted broadband leaders to speak about upcoming Initial Proposal required to receive funding from the BEAD Program, among other issues. Veneeth Iyengar spoke as a key panelist and held conversations on BEAD program and workforce efforts in Louisiana.
April 24-26, 2023
Las Vegas, Nev.
Net Inclusion 2023
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance hosts Net Inclusion yearly to convene policymakers, advocates, researches, evaluators and community partners to discuss the importance of digital equity in the modern world. Veneeth Iyengar was a plenary panelist and provided strategies and tactics on how Louisiana is addressing the digital divide challenges for residents.
March 1-2, 2023
San Antonio, Texas
February Newsletter
ConnectLA
Our office signed more than 70 grant agreements with 15 providers for projects in more than 40 parishes, affecting thousands of households and small businesses. We have been traveling the state, working with providers and communities to ensure local stakeholders are updated on our next steps and to help remedy permitting and workforce issues.
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.
Governor's Letter to FCC and NTIA
Office of Governor John Bel Edwards
In a letter to FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson, Gov. John Bel Edwards asks the federal organizations not to extend the deadline for states to present their plans to address the digital divide. He argues that such a delay would penalize states that are acting quickly to put their plans into place.
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.
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.
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.
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.