Star Power: Satellites in Space Boost Connectivity in Louisiana
Louisiana has attacked the digital divide with grit and efficiency. The state’s broadband office, ConnectLA, has done well in prioritizing competition between providers and meeting requirements of the federal Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program (BEAD) grant program since its announcement in 2021. As a result, Louisiana has led the nation in reaching and surpassing its milestones set forth.
No one can accuse BEAD of being a short process—after all, the grant program began in 2021, and it was not until recently that final federal approvals were solidified. However, recent headlines are encouraging. In Louisiana, broadband infrastructure is being built, contracts are being finalized, and people are getting access to the resources that fast and reliable internet provides.
Last month, the State of Louisiana signed a contract with SpaceX. SpaceX is responsible for Starlink technology, a method of delivering internet via satellites in space. While the options for low earth orbit satellites (LEO) are growing, Starlink is well-recognized and has a proven track record of delivering internet to areas where more traditional methods like fiber struggle to do so efficiently. This technology is particularly useful to more rural areas of Louisiana, which, with their unique terrain and internet needs, can benefit from Starlink services. The contract covers over 10,635 locations spanning across 50 parishes in Louisiana.
In announcing the partnership with Starlink, Governor Jeff Landry noted that the state is not new to this technology. In times of disaster, like hurricane season, the space satellite technology has helped tremendously.
“Louisiana’s partnership with SpaceX allows communities to look forward to better opportunities that come with dependable, high-speed internet access,” said Governor Landry. “Starlink has helped our state during times of disaster, and we are grateful that the BEAD program will allow thousands to benefit from this technology. We are proud to continue the work and move toward universal coverage, ensuring every resident has the connectivity needed to succeed in today’s economy.”
The contract with SpaceX is only possible because Louisiana committed early on to tech neutrality, preferring the most efficient form of broadband technology for a location. Later, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced reforms to the structure of BEAD, with tech neutrality as a core principle. Instead of having to pivot completely from an approach that favored only traditional broadband technologies, Louisiana was able to adapt to the reforms and resume its leadership in meeting BEAD milestones and working for increased connectivity across the state.
Technology policies, whether they are set through regulations or shaped by grant programs, often face a pacing problem. Writing guidelines for a technology that will inevitably progress and improve in ways that no lawmaker could anticipate is a difficult task. Approaches like tech neutrality that leave room for innovation and the preferences of the market are the solution to this challenge and the answer to lasting connectivity for Louisiana.
