Nearly 1,000 customer locations in Arcadia and Richland Parish now have access to high-speed fiber internet, thanks to a $22 million public-private partnership between AT&T and the State of Louisiana. This expansion is part of a larger effort to bring fiber connectivity to more than 10,000 locations across 13 parishes.
The projects in Arcadia and Richland Parish are part of Louisiana’s Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities (GUMBO) program. Utilizing federal funds from the American Rescue Plan and private investments, the GUMBO initiative aims to bring broadband access to underserved communities throughout the state. Under this specific collaboration, the State and AT&T each contributed $11 million.
Leadership Highlights Impact
“This public-private collaboration is a powerful example of our community’s resilience and determination,” said State Representative Rashid Young. “It’s about more than just improving internet speed; it’s about unlocking potential, fostering growth, and bridging the gap between our present and future.”
State Senator Jay Luneau emphasized the importance of aligning public goals with private expertise: “This fiber-optic expansion ensures our community won’t be left behind in the digital era but instead positioned to lead and innovate.”
“This initiative provides countless opportunities for education, business, and communication,” added State Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews. “By working together, we’re addressing the areas that need it most.”
State Representative Francis Thompson applauded the collaboration, saying, “The project will connect more Louisianans to vital online resources and services, helping bridge the digital divide.”
AT&T’s Commitment to Louisiana
David Aubrey, President of AT&T Louisiana, expressed gratitude for the partnership: “We’re so appreciative that the State trusted us with this transformative project. At AT&T, we believe in the power of fiber to transform lives. That’s why we’ve invested nearly $2.1 billion in Louisiana over the last five years to expand and upgrade our networks, growing our fiber footprint across the state to more than 660,000 homes and small businesses.”
The Future of Connectivity
AT&T Fiber, named the fastest internet in the nation by the Ookla® Speedtest Connectivity Report, delivers speeds of up to 5-Gigs with unmatched reliability. Customers can connect multiple devices, stream entertainment, quickly upload content, and enjoy ultra-low lag for professional-level gaming—all simultaneously.
This fiber expansion underscores the transformative potential of public-private partnerships in addressing critical infrastructure gaps. As more areas gain access to high-speed internet, Louisiana continues to take significant steps toward ensuring digital equity and fostering economic growth.
About GUMBO
The GUMBO program leverages public and private investments to provide high-speed internet to underserved areas, ensuring that all Louisianans have access to essential online resources for education, healthcare, and business. For more information, visit the Louisiana Broadband Office website.