Will Louisiana Rural Areas Soon Have High Speed Internet?

Over four years ago, Louisiana's most rural residents began to feel their needs to be able to digitally connect to the rest of the world were being addressed.

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The 'Broadband for Rural America Act' was actually announced in May of 2021 and promised to bring broadband internet to rural locations all over Louisiana.

While there has been some progress in this area, many in North Louisiana have yet to see that promise come to fruition, but recent developments have made many much more optimistic about the outlook.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry just announced the state's commitment of $1.355 billion to bolster broadband connectivity throughout the state and should kick this program into high gear.

In an article from the Louisiana Radio Network, Governor Landry states, "Louisiana is driving broadband for the rest of the country and delivering concrete, tangible results."

He goes on to say, "This historic investment in our state’s broadband infrastructure will transform communities across Louisiana, providing the connectivity our residents need to thrive in the modern economy. I want to thank the Louisiana Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity for their leadership in ensuring all Louisianans benefit from this great investment."

According to Veneeth Iyengar, executive director of ConnectLA, this money will go to companies that have proven invaluable to Louisiana residents.  “75% of those dollars are going to companies that are based in Louisiana that have had a great track record in building in their communities."

Iyengar goes on to say that two of those local companies are part of a group that will be getting $450 million in funding.  “The largest is a consortium between three companies — REV, Swyft Fiber and T-Mobile.”

So, maybe, just maybe, we'll soon begin to see some positive results here in the piney woods of North Louisiana.  Fingers crossed!