Residents traveling along U.S. Highways 84 and 171 in DeSoto Parish may have noticed increased underground drilling activity in recent weeks. This construction marks the commencement of a significant broadband infrastructure project aimed at enhancing internet connectivity in rural Louisiana communities.

The initiative is part of the Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities (GUMBO) 2.0 program, administered by ConnectLA. Funded by a $1.355 billion allocation from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, GUMBO 2.0 represents Louisiana’s largest investment in broadband infrastructure to date. The program seeks to bridge the digital divide by expanding high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved areas across the state.

Swyft Fiber, a regional internet service provider, has been awarded funding through GUMBO 2.0 to install fiber-optic networks in DeSoto Parish and neighboring regions. The company, known for its commitment to delivering reliable, high-speed internet to rural communities, will be working with subcontractors to lay the necessary infrastructure over the coming months.

Local officials emphasize that this project is a critical step toward ensuring that residents have access to the digital resources necessary for education, healthcare, and economic development. As construction progresses, updates will be provided to keep the community informed about developments and potential impacts on daily activities.

For more information about the GUMBO 2.0 program and broadband expansion efforts in Louisiana, residents can visit connect.la.gov/gumbo-2.