Louisiana first to distribute BEAD infrastructure dollars, advancing statewide broadband buildout

Hands typing on a laptop keyboard with a transparent overlay of network nodes and lines, blending into a modern city skyline, symbolizing digital connectivity and technology.

BATON ROUGE, La. (Feb. 16, 2026) — Louisiana has reached another national first in its effort to deliver high-speed internet access to every corner of the state, becoming 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.

This milestone builds on Louisiana’s recent announcement that it was the first state to execute BEAD grant agreements, underscoring the state’s ability to move quickly from planning to implementation and put federal broadband dollars to work on the ground.

“People want to know when the work is going to happen, and this milestone moves us closer to that,” said Gov. Jeff Landry. “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.”

“Getting these dollars out is a big practical step for our state,” said Veneeth Iyengar, executive director of ConnectLA. “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.

  • AT&T
  • Comcast
  • Conexon
  • Brightspeed
  • NE Telephone Services/Pelican Broadband
  • Skyrider Communications
  • Star Telephone Co.
  • AMG Technology/Nextlink
  • Cajun Broadband
  • Reserve Communications and Computer, L.L.C
  • CableSouth Media III, LLC d/b/a SwyftFiber

Louisiana’s BEAD efforts are part of a larger broadband strategy focused on speed, accountability and fiscal responsibility, leveraging private investment alongside federal funds to maximize impact for taxpayers and communities. ConnectLA will continue executing grant agreements and distributing funds on a rolling basis as projects advance.

For more information on Louisiana’s BEAD efforts and other broadband initiatives, visit 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.