Louisiana Claims First BEAD Fiber Customers, Construction
The state is reporting new progress in its effort to expand rural internet access
WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2026 — Fiber broadband is rolling out in Louisiana with taxpayer support.
Louisiana says two projects are moving federal broadband funding into fiber construction and customer connections, with more rural homes and businesses expected to gain service over the coming year.
The milestones mark a new phase for the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, which is moving from grant approvals toward construction and service. Louisiana previously announced the activation of a BEAD-funded fixed-wireless tower in May, making the state an early example of federal broadband awards reaching deployment.
The state’s GUMBO 2.0 program is funding both projects. Pelican Broadband has connected customers in Coushatta, a town of 1,752 people in Red River Parish, while SkyRider Communications is constructing fiber infrastructure across northern Louisiana.
Pelican’s project covers approximately 100 miles of fiber network intended to reach 1,102 locations. Of those, 221 are currently serviceable, with full completion expected in September 2027. The company says its fiber service can deliver speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second.
SkyRider received funding to serve approximately 700 locations and expects to connect more than 1,000 homes, farms and businesses overall. The company says 80 percent of underground duct installation is complete and fiber cable is being pulled. It expects to connect its first customers within one to two weeks, with the full network projected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.
“This isn’t about dollars on a spreadsheet; it’s about results that people can see,” Gov. Jeff Landry, R, said in a statement. He said the projects are putting construction work in the hands of Louisiana companies while extending service into rural communities.
ConnectLA Executive Director Veneeth Iyengar said the milestones demonstrate that BEAD funding is reaching the communities the program was designed to serve. Louisiana has also claimed earlier firsts in the program, including being the first state to receive federal approval for its spending plan and the first to distribute BEAD funds.
The progress follows a lengthy period of planning and changes to the federal program. Louisiana’s original BEAD proposal called for fiber to reach more than 95 percent of eligible locations. After the Trump administration revised program rules to place less emphasis on fiber and require states to conduct another bidding round, the state’s revised plan called for fiber to serve about 80 percent of locations.
The new fiber milestones offer another measure of progress as states work to turn BEAD awards into working networks. Louisiana has said it remains on track to achieve statewide broadband coverage by 2028.
