1300 Homes and Businesses Will Have Access at Project Completion
Natchitoches, LA (November 20, 2024) – Pelican Broadband is proud to announce that it has received a preliminary award through the State of Louisiana’s GUMBO 2.0 (Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities) program. This funding will enable the expansion of fiber optic broadband access to residents and businesses in areas of Natchitoches, Coushatta, and Provencal.
“On behalf of Pelican Broadband, I’d like to extend our sincere gratitude to Governor Landry, Veneeth Iyengar, and the ConnectLA office for their unwavering commitment to expanding broadband access across Louisiana. Their leadership and support have fostered a business-friendly environment that empowers providers like us to bridge the digital divide and bring reliable, high-speed internet to every corner of our state. Together, we’re building a more connected Louisiana, opening up new opportunities for growth, education, and prosperity for all our residents.” – Mike George, President & CEO, Pelican Broadband
Construction on the multi-year project is estimated to begin in the first quarter of 2025 with the first customers slated to have service installed by the third quarter of 2025.
“Expanding broadband access to rural areas of Louisiana is absolutely essential to drive economic growth, enhance educational opportunities, and improve quality of life for residents,” said Rick Darsey, Chief Operating Officer of Pelican Broadband. “Reliable internet is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity for our communities to stay competitive, connect with essential services, and access new opportunities. Pelican Broadband is committed to investing in our rural communities because we believe everyone deserves equal access to the tools and resources that can transform lives and build a brighter future for Louisiana.”
To learn more about ConnectLA and the GUMBO program, please visit https://connect.la.gov.
To learn more about Pelican Broadband, please visit https://www.pelicanbroadband.com.
About Pelican Broadband
Pelican Broadband is a local, family-owned internet service provider dedicated to delivering high-quality, affordable internet and telephone services to communities in Louisiana. With a rich history dating back to 1933, the company is committed to enhancing connectivity through state-of-the-art fiber optic technology and a focus on customer satisfaction.