By Paige Gurgainers

Last Friday morning, two communities in Webster Parish celebrated with AT&T on their fiber-optic expansion efforts. The completion of these projects was credited to the GUMBO program (Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities). This program utilizes federal funds from the American Rescue Plan and matching investments from private providers to facilitate the deployment of broadband service to unserved locations across Louisiana. 

“This fiber-optic expansion is a testament to what we can achieve when public goals align with private expertise,” said Village of Dixie Inn Mayor Donna Hoffoss. “It’s a step toward ensuring that our community is not left behind in the digital era but is instead at the forefront, ready to lead and innovate.” 

Webster Parish Police Jury President Jim Bonsall was also present at the ribbon cuttings. He said, “This public-private collaboration is a powerful example of our community’s resilience and determination. 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.” 

Under an agreement signed in November 2022, the State contributed $11 million in public funds to the project and AT&T covered the remaining $11 million. AT&T announced on Friday, March 22, that it has now expanded its fiber network to more than 150 homes and small businesses in Shreveport. Upon completion of this project, they will have expanded fiber to nearly 9,800 locations across the state.  

“We’re so appreciative that the State trusted us with this transformative project,” said Levar Greenhouse, regional director, external affairs, AT&T Louisiana. “At AT&T, we believe in the power of fiber to transform lives, that’s why we have invested more than $1.3 billion in the state over the last 3 years to expand and upgrade our networks. Investment that has helped grow our fiber footprint here in Shreveport and across the state to more than 625,000 homes and small businesses.”