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

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 percent 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. 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 providers, representing a combined investment of more than $430 million in broadband infrastructure and moving construction forward at more than 115,000 additional locations.