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Eunice, Louisiana Gets $3.7M Broadband Boost

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. /eunice-louisiana-gets-3-7m-broadband-boost.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at 16:08 GMT by The Daily Advertiser
      Locales: Louisiana, UNITED STATES

EUNICE, La. - February 18th, 2026 - The city of Eunice, Louisiana, is poised to leap forward into the 21st century with a transformative investment in high-speed fiber internet infrastructure. A collaborative effort between Louisiana State University Eunice (LSU Eunice), St. Landry Parish, and a substantial $3.7 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is set to connect approximately 3,000 households and businesses to reliable, future-proof internet access.

The announcement, years in the making, represents a critical step towards bridging the digital divide that has long hampered rural communities like Eunice. While much of the nation enjoys readily available high-speed internet, many areas of Louisiana, particularly in rural parishes, have lagged behind, limiting access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and essential services.

The NTIA's Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, responsible for the $3.7 million grant, is a nationwide initiative designed to expand high-speed internet access to underserved areas. The program recognizes that access to reliable internet is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for full participation in modern society. The BEAD program has been distributing funds across the US, prioritizing projects demonstrating long-term sustainability and community impact. This funding cycle, initiated in late 2024, specifically targets areas with the most significant gaps in broadband coverage.

"This is a game-changer for our community," stated St. Landry Parish President Lionel Fontenot, echoing the sentiments of many local residents. "Reliable internet access is vital for our students, our businesses, and our families. It will unlock opportunities and improve the quality of life for everyone in St. Landry Parish." Fontenot highlighted the growing demand for remote work and online learning, both of which require robust internet connectivity.

What sets this project apart is the unique role LSU Eunice will play in managing the new fiber network. Instead of contracting with a large, potentially unreliable provider, the parish has entrusted the university with long-term stewardship of the infrastructure. LSU Eunice Chancellor Jaime Carter emphasized the university's commitment to the community. "We're excited to be a part of this initiative and to help bridge the digital divide in St. Landry Parish," Carter said. "Our expertise in technology and our dedication to serving the region make us the ideal partner for ensuring a sustainable and impactful solution."

This approach is seen as a model for other rural communities seeking to address their broadband challenges. By leveraging the resources and expertise of a local institution, St. Landry Parish has created a system that is likely to be more responsive to the needs of its residents and more resilient in the face of future technological changes. The involvement of LSU Eunice also provides opportunities for students to gain valuable hands-on experience in network management and infrastructure maintenance.

The benefits of this project extend far beyond simply faster internet speeds. Improved connectivity is expected to spur economic development, attracting new businesses and enabling existing ones to expand. It will also enhance access to healthcare through telehealth services, allowing residents to consult with doctors remotely and receive timely medical care. Students will be able to access online learning resources, participate in virtual classrooms, and prepare for the jobs of the future. The availability of reliable internet will also make Eunice a more attractive location for remote workers, potentially boosting the local economy and diversifying the tax base.

Local business owners have already expressed enthusiasm for the project. Marie LeBlanc, owner of a popular Eunice bakery, stated, "For years, we've struggled with slow and unreliable internet. It's made it difficult to process online orders, manage inventory, and connect with customers. This new fiber network will be a huge boost for our business."

The project is slated to begin construction in the spring of 2026, with completion anticipated by the end of the year. The initial rollout will focus on areas with the most limited access to broadband, with plans to expand coverage in subsequent phases. The partnership between LSU Eunice, St. Landry Parish, and the NTIA demonstrates a commitment to investing in the future of rural Louisiana, ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to thrive in the digital age.