Louisiana becomes first state authorized to access BEAD funds

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Louisiana's initial proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program, or BEAD. Louisiana is the first state to reach this important milestone and is major step toward that state's efforts to expand broadband access.

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​Louisiana received a $1.355 billion allocation from the BEAD program, the eighth-largest in the nation. Louisiana was also the first of all 56 states and territories to receive NTIA approval of the Initial Proposal. This means Louisiana is first to receive approval to use its allocation and broadband construction projects will have a head start in bringing high-speed, reliable and affordable internet to every home, business and community anchor institution in the state.