Louisiana recently received about $1.35 billion from the Broadband Equity, Access and Development program—the eighth-largest allocation in the nation and 10th-largest per capita. Today, ConnectLA published the draft BEAD Initial Proposal, Vol. 2, the first exhaustive draft released in the country, which explains how the state plans to use use that funding to eliminate the digital divide.
The Initial Proposal, Vol. 2 will be open for a 30-day public comment period following its publication. We ask you, as a broadband stakeholder, to review this document and provide as much constructive feedback as you can. The comment period will close on Sept. 25, 2023. The form to provide comments can be found at connect.la.gov/comment. We do expect changes to be made to the proposal with the arrival of new data and your feedback.
This volume outlines current and previous broadband deployment efforts, the state’s plans to overcome challenges with universal coverage and a breakdown of the funding that will be required.
ConnectLA will partner with internet service providers to bring affordable, reliable broadband to every home and business in the state. We plan to use nondeployment funding to create programs that address healthcare, cybersecurity, agriculture, workforce development, affordability and digital skills so that every Louisianan can use the internet to improve their life.
We are thankful to our many partners—including the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Louisiana Board of Regents, Urban League of Louisiana, Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, state college and university systems, tribal leaders, economic development organizations, citizens throughout the state and more—for helping Louisiana achieve the goal of eliminating the digital divide by 2029.
More than 68,000 locations have already been affected by new broadband projects, with more than $137 million in matched funds given to providers to increase their networks in 50 parishes throughout the state. Over the next few years, many more locations will be connected to high-speed, affordable internet.
We look forward to hearing your feedback. If you have any questions or need any clarification about the Initial Proposal, please feel free to email connect@la.gov.
Click here to read and comment on the draft Initial Proposal, Vol. 2.
To report an issue or typo with this article – CLICK HERE
