Louisiana Broadband

Service Providers

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) issued a Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) and solicitation of applications on July 1, 2009 (with a subsequent clarification) announcing the availability of funds and providing guidelines for the State Broadband Data and Development and the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). The State Broadband Data Program is a competitive, merit-based matching grant program to fund projects that collect comprehensive and accurate state-level broadband mapping data, develop state-level broadband maps, aid in the development and maintenance of a national broadband map, and fund statewide planning initiatives directed at broadband planning.

The Louisiana State Broadband Mapping Initiative Call for Data has been issued. Broadband Providers have been requested to provide data to the state to build the Louisiana Broadband Map (view the pdf).

Michael Baker Jr., Inc. will be acting on behalf of the State to collect the broadband service availability data click here (pdf) for more.

Data Submission Guidelines can be found here(pdf).

To help providers supply The State with their data, below you will find four "Quick Start Guides"

The Data Transmittal Letter found here should be included with data.

Baker's Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) can be reviewed here (Microsoft Word Document).

NEW- Please see the "Frequently Asked Questions Document" HERE for answers to many common concerns.

NEWS- USDA Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Announces $25 Million broadband funding opportunity-

The provision of broadband transmission service is vital to the economic development, education, health, and safety of rural Americans. The purpose of the Community Connect Grant Program is to provide financial assistance in the form of grants to eligible applicants that will provide currently unserved areas, on a ‘‘community-oriented connectivity’’ basis, with broadband transmission service that fosters economic growth and delivers enhanced educational, health care, and public safety services. Rural Utilities Service will give priority to rural areas that it believes have the greatest need for broadband transmission services, based on the criteria contained herein. Full Description HERE.

The Louisiana Division of Administration has released the State Broadband Map! Click to start the interactive map.