Everything we do is with connection in mind. More connection means more opportunity and more possibility for cities, counties and states across the country.
In Louisiana, we invested nearly $2.1 billion in our network infrastructure from 2019-2023 to connect more people to greater possibility. We’re working to expand access to broadband to as many residents as possible.
Here’s the latest on how we’re making it happen.
Public-Private Projects
November 18, 2024: AT&T awarded nearly $55 million in BEAD funding to deliver fiber internet access to more than 20,000 customer locations in Louisiana
The state of Louisiana plans to invest nearly $55 million in Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding through the state’s GUMBO 2.0 program, and AT&T will invest more than $150 million to provide fiber to these locations and additional households and businesses in the project area. The project is contingent upon a final contract between AT&T and the state. The BEAD funded project is expected to be complete in 4-years.
“This groundbreaking investment through the BEAD program is a major step forward for Louisiana,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “Expanding access to broadband is essential for economic growth, better educational opportunities, and improved healthcare access. Louisiana is proud to lead the way as the first state to make this announcement, and I look forward to seeing how this project will benefit our communities for years to come.”
This historic announcement marks the first BEAD awards in the nation and underscores the critical importance of public-private projects in closing the digital divide. Louisiana’s position as the first state to award these funds highlights the state’s leadership in addressing broadband challenges.
“I want to thank Governor Landry and the Louisiana Legislature for their leadership and forward-thinking policies that have created an environment where projects like these can succeed,” said AT&T Louisiana President David Aubrey. “This first-of-its-kind BEAD award is a testament to what we can achieve when the public and private sectors work together to address one of the most critical challenges of our time – bridging the digital divide. I’m proud that AT&T is leading the way with this historic project in Louisiana, and we look forward to bringing the benefits of fiber broadband to families and businesses across the country through collaborations like this.”
November 18, 2024: AT&T to Deliver Fiber Internet Access to more than 300 Additional Customer Locations in St. Tammany Parish
AT&T has been selected to expand AT&T Fiber to more than 300 residential and business locations in St. Tammany Parish as part of a $2.5 million public-private project. Today’s announcement is in addition to a $4.9 million public-private project announced this summer to expand service to nearly 900 St. Tammany Parish homes and small businesses.
“Ensuring that our citizens have access to internet leads to better healthcare, business, relationships with loved ones and greatly increases quality of life,” said Parish President Mike Cooper. “As we announce our second public-private project this year with AT&T, we are taking significant steps toward closing the digital divide in St. Tammany Parish. This project exemplifies how the power of collaboration between local government and the private sector can improve our communities and we’re proud to work alongside AT&T.”
St. Tammany Parish will invest $1.5 million, and AT&T will invest nearly $950,000 in the project to provide fiber to residents. Planning and engineering work for this project is underway and the network is expected to be complete in 2-years.
“We are proud to once again collaborate with St. Tammany Parish to expand our fiber network and help bridge the digital divide,” said Eric Jones, regional director, external affairs, AT&T Louisiana. “By working with local leaders like President Cooper, we are bringing ultra-fast, reliable connectivity to more homes and businesses across the parish. AT&T is committed to investing in St. Tammany Parish and helping build a brighter, more connected future for everyone.”
August 2024 – AT&T to deliver fiber internet access across City of Monroe
AT&T has been selected to expand AT&T Fiber across Monroe residential and business locations as part of a $27 million public-private project.
“This investment from AT&T will transform the way our city gets connected. This initiative is not just about faster internet; it’s about creating opportunities for all. By expanding our fiber network, we are bridging the digital divide, enhancing educational resources, boosting local businesses, and improving healthcare access for every citizen. High-speed internet is a necessity in today’s world, and we are dedicated to making it accessible to everyone, ensuring a brighter, more connected future for our community,” said Mayor Friday Ellis.
The City of Monroe will invest $2 million, and AT&T will invest $25 million in the project to provide city wide fiber access. The network is expected to be complete in 3 years.
“Nationwide, there’s a lot of talk about closing the digital divide and bringing connectivity to everyone. But one thing is clear, the city of Monroe is doing more than just talking about it; they are doing something about it,” said David Aubrey, President AT&T Louisiana. “Monroe is the first city in Louisiana to enter a public-private project to provide fiber city wide. Approaches like this, where the public sector and private sector come together, are critical to removing barriers to connectivity. Our team has the experience to do this well, and the city of Monroe is wise to make this happen.”
Read more:
- ‘Creating opportunities for all:’ City of Monroe partners with AT&T to close the digital divide (KNOE)
- Monroe officials partner with AT&T, becomes first city in the state to provide fiber access to citizens (My ArkLaMiss)
July 2024 – AT&T and State of Louisiana collaborate on plan to deliver fiber-powered broadband to portions of 13 Louisiana parishes
The state of Louisiana and AT&T are collaborating on a plan to bring a state-of-the-art fiber network to nearly 9,800 homes, businesses and farms in parts of thirteen Louisiana parishes. The $19 million project is contingent upon a final contract between the state of Louisiana and AT&T.
The plan calls for AT&T to build fiber networks in parts of the following parishes:
- Beauregard
- Bienville
- Calcasieu
- East Feliciana
- Morehouse
- Orleans
- Plaquemines
- Richland
- Tensas
- Union
- Washington
- Webster
- West Baton Rouge
Extensive design and engineering work will begin immediately following the execution of a final agreement between AT&T and the state.
“We are proud to work with Governor Edwards, the Legislature, the ConnectLA team, and local leaders in Parishes across the state to help close the digital divide,” said Sonia Perez, president, AT&T Southeast States. “AT&T’s fiber network is fast and reliable, and we look forward to helping build better futures for the businesses and people of Louisiana.”
“As investment in cutting-edge fiber networks grows, we not only close the digital gap but also attract vital private investments that transform our communities for the better,” said Keith Hinkley, Plaquemines Parish President. “Closing the digital divide is our commitment to a future where everyone, regardless of location, enjoys the benefits of a connected world.”
February 19, 2024 – AT&T connects more than 500 fiber locations in partnership with GUMBO program.
Part of a $22 million dollar project between AT&T and the state of Louisiana is complete in West Baton Rouge Parish. The project is designed to bring state-of-the-art fiber to thousands of homes and businesses in parts of 13 parishes using federal dollars.
Of the more than 500 new fiber locations announced, 31 customer locations were built in collaboration with the state’s GUMBO program. The program utilizes federal funds from the American Rescue Plan and matching investments to help with the deployment of broadband service to underserved locations across the state.
Under the agreement signed in November 2022, the state contributed $11 million in public funds for 13 projects, while AT&T covered the remaining $11 million.
Read more:
- AT&T announces completion of first GUMBO internet expansion project (WAFB9)
New Site Builds
October 2024 – AT&T boosts network speeds at Caesars Superdome and Smoothie King Arena ahead of upcoming concerts and 2025’s Big Game
AT&T customers and FirstNet subscribers at Caesars Superdome, Champions Square and the Smoothie King Arena in New Orleans, recently got a big boost in wireless connectivity. We’ve added a new wireless antenna system to enhance the area’s coverage and capacity.
The new indoor Distributed Antenna System (DAS) strategically places antennas that distribute wireless network coverage throughout the buildings. The enhanced coverage and capacity help improve connectivity during periods of heavy wireless traffic.
This $81 million investment ensures a better customer experience for sports events, concerts, the Essence Festival and February’s big game.
“This network upgrade allows fans to enjoy faster, more reliable connections, making the fan experience even better. The fan experience is an important factor for the Caesars Superdome and Smoothie King Center remaining as premier destinations for major sporting events,” said Jay Cicero, President & CEO, Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation.
“This is a big win for New Orleans,” said Michael Hecht, CEO, Greater New Orleans Inc. “Enhanced connectivity not only elevates the fan experience, but also strengthens our position for world class events and tourism.”
August 14, 2024 – AT&T Upgrades Wireless Network and Boosts Speeds in East Baton Rouge Parish
AT&T has expanded its 5G network in the city of Central, LA, giving residents, businesses and visitors a big boost in their wireless connectivity. AT&T added a new cell site to enhance the area’s coverage and capacity.
The new site in the city of Central, LA boosts coverage along Joor Road and Zuber Lane.
July 10, 2024 – AT&T boosts network speeds for Shreveport
AT&T has expanded its 5G network in Shreveport, giving residents, businesses and visitors a big boost in their wireless connectivity. We’ve added a new cell tower along Cadillac Street to enhance the area’s coverage and capacity, and help customers unlock the power of America’s Most Reliable 5G Network.
“The expansion of our wireless network is a crucial step towards bridging the digital divide and ensuring seamless connectivity for our community,” said Mayor Tom Arceneaux. “This new tower will not only enhance communications but also empower our residents, businesses and emergency services with reliable, high-speed network coverage.”
AT&T Upgrades Wireless Network and Boosts Speeds in Broussard & Opelousas
AT&T has expanded its 5G network in Broussard, giving residents, businesses and visitors a big boost to their wireless connectivity. AT&T added a new cell site along Albertson Parkway to enhance the area’s coverage and capacity.
- Additionally, AT&T added a new cell site along Larent Street in Opelousas to better serve customers.
“Investing in the expansion of wireless networks is investing in the future of our communities,” said State Senator Gerald Boudreaux. “It’s essential for driving innovation, creating jobs, and ensuring equal access to digital resources for all.”
Fiber Expansion
July 2024 – AT&T expands fiber network in the Ruston Area
AT&T Fiber is now available to more than 300 new residential and business locations in Ruston. The expanded network will give more customers access to super-fast internet speeds up to 5-Gigs.
“The expansion of fiber is a transformative investment in our state’s future, enhancing educational opportunities, boosting economic development, and ensuring that more Louisiana residents can participate in the digital world,” said State Rep Chris Turner.
“We are continually working to help close the digital divide by expanding our fiber footprint and delivering ultra-fast internet that keeps residents and businesses connected,” said David Aubrey, president, AT&T Louisiana. “We are committed to investing in the modern, high-speed network infrastructure necessary in today’s economy.”
July 2024 – AT&T expands fiber network in Bernice, Bastrop, St. Joseph, Haughton and Rayville.
AT&T Fiber is now available to new residential and business locations in Louisiana. The expansion includes 246 locations in Haughton and 450 in Rayville.
