BOSSIER PARISH, La. — The Louisiana State Broadband Office is working to provide internet access to all residents and small businesses across the state, with a particular focus on Bossier Parish, where nearly 6,500 households and businesses currently lack service.
Through the Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities (GUMBO) 1.0 program, the state is contracting internet service providers to expand coverage in rural areas. While construction is expected to begin soon, officials are awaiting final federal approvals. The project is expected to bring high-speed, affordable internet access to Bossier Parish within the next 18 to 24 months.
Gov. Jeff Landry has emphasized the importance of building resilient infrastructure, with 90% of broadband cables to be placed underground. In addition, Louisiana will develop a statewide map of underground public infrastructure to improve safety and coordination.
“The governor has prioritized using some of our funds to create, for the first time, a public safety map that identifies where all of this infrastructure lies,” said Connect LA executive director Veneeth Iyengar.
State officials say the service will be optional, and households will be responsible for paying for internet access. The priority is ensuring connectivity for communities currently without broadband service.
