Allen Parish broadband project reaches major milestone, expanding access to nearly 3,000 homes and businesses
BATON ROUGE, La. (Jan. 14, 2025) — State and local leaders gathered with Swyft Fiber today at Oakdale City Hall to mark the completion of a broadband expansion project in Allen Parish, bringing reliable, high-speed internet access to thousands of homes and businesses across the parish and supporting key local industries, including hospitality, energy and agriculture.
The project was delivered through the Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities (GUMBO) 1.0 program and provides service to approximately 2,820 households and 178 businesses that previously lacked reliable access. The GUMBO 1.0 program is funded through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund and administered by ConnectLA.
“Reliable broadband is no longer optional — it’s essential infrastructure,” said Gov. Jeff Landry. “I would especially like to thank President Trump and the Louisiana delegation for their commitment to these efforts. By connecting more than 2,800 homes and nearly 180 businesses in Allen Parish, this project ensures families, employers and healthcare providers have the tools they need to succeed today and compete tomorrow.”
“This shows what’s possible when the state, local leaders and providers keep the work moving and stay focused on results,” said Veneeth Iyengar, executive director of ConnectLA. “Homes and businesses across Allen Parish now have access to the kind of reliable internet service that people can use for school, work, health care and running a business.”
The GUMBO 1.0 program represents a $176 million investment statewide, supporting broadband construction in 48 parishes and connecting more than 65,000 locations across Louisiana. Local leaders noted that improved broadband access will support schools, healthcare providers, employers and residents throughout Allen Parish, while also positioning the community for future growth.
“This is what delivering on a promise looks like,” said state Sen. Heather Cloud. “Rural communities in Allen Parish now have real, reliable broadband — connecting families, supporting schools and healthcare providers and strengthening our local economy.”
“This project brings meaningful change to Allen Parish,” said state Rep. Dewith Carrier. “Access to reliable, high-speed internet opens doors for students, small businesses and families and positions our community for long-term growth and opportunity.”
"We're grateful to Gov. Landry and ConnectLA for their leadership in making projects like this possible," said Jason Hunt, CEO of Swyft Fiber. "Access to reliable internet shouldn't depend on where you live. This project brings nearly 3,000 Allen Parish locations the high-speed fiber service they need to compete and thrive, opening up real opportunities for residents and local businesses."
Louisiana continues to move forward with a coordinated approach to broadband expansion, using federal funds to deliver tangible improvements in communities across the state. Find more information about Louisiana’s broadband efforts at connect.la.gov.
About ConnectLA
The Louisiana Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity (ConnectLA) leads the state’s efforts to expand high-speed internet access and close the digital divide. Housed within the Louisiana Division of Administration, ConnectLA works across federal, state and local partners to identify and implement strategies that ensure every resident can benefit from reliable broadband connectivity. For more information, visit connect.la.gov.