News
Louisiana has become the first state in the nation to begin the required challenge process associated with the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) grant program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
ConnectLA, part of Louisiana’s Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity, began the statewide broadband challenge process on Oct. 6, according to the organization’s website. The news, first reported by Broadband Breakfast, continues the momentum behind Louisiana’s connectivity efforts.
According to ConnectLA, Louisiana was the first state to receive award approval for the Capital Projects Fund (GUMBO), and Louisiana was the first state to receive broadband award approval from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Louisiana is also first in the nation for enrollment in the Affordable Connectivity Program, according to ConnectLA.
The broadband challenge process is intended to “determine locations that need broadband service through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.”
As part of the challenge process, parish and municipal officials, along with non-profit organizations and internet service providers, are eligible to challenge whether a location is served or not by utilizing the Ready Challenge Process Coordinator program.
A statement on ConnectLA’s website said the agency has spent time preparing stakeholders for the challenge process.
“Over the past few weeks, we have partnered with regional planning commissions and the Governor’s Office of Rural Development to host stakeholder engagement sessions. A full briefing was provided on broadband efforts and the challenge process. This has been instrumental in helping stakeholders understand and prepare for the upcoming process.”
The Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity, housed with the Louisiana Division of Administration, “strives to eliminate the digital divide in Louisiana by 2029,” according to the agency’s website.
“Our aim is to coordinate federal, state and municipal efforts identifying best practices and tactics necessary in our mission,” the agency’s website stated.
Registration for the challenge process is available here, on ConnectLA’s website, and maps showing which locations are eligible for BEAD funding are also available here.
