Governor Jeff Landry announced that Louisiana has received federal approval to move forward with GUMBO 2.0, a major broadband initiative funded through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. The approval marks a crucial step in the state’s effort to bring reliable, high-speed internet to every corner of Louisiana.

GUMBO 2.0 — short for Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities — is the next phase of Louisiana’s broadband expansion strategy. With BEAD authorization secured, the state can now begin distributing more than $1.3 billion in federal funds to support broadband construction projects in unserved and underserved areas, including many rural communities that have long struggled with slow or unreliable service.

Governor Landry celebrated the approval as a major win for residents, businesses, schools, and healthcare providers across the state.

State officials say GUMBO 2.0 will build on the success of the first GUMBO grant round, which supported dozens of broadband projects statewide. The new version expands that work significantly, focusing on universal coverage, long-term affordability, and ensuring that every home has access to a modern, high-speed connection capable of supporting telehealth, online learning, precision agriculture, business development, and emergency response.

With approval granted, Louisiana will now begin the next phase of the rollout: finalizing project areas, opening the competitive grant application window, and selecting internet providers to build new infrastructure in communities lacking adequate service. Construction on BEAD-funded broadband networks is expected to begin in 2025.

GUMBO 2.0 represents the single largest investment in broadband infrastructure in Louisiana history. Officials say the goal is simple — to close the digital divide once and for all, ensuring that every household, from rural parishes to urban neighborhoods, has access to fast, affordable, and dependable internet.