Lack of Broadband May Be Stifling Rural Louisiana Business

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe hosted its third annual Louisiana Rural Economic Development conference in Marksville. Speakers ranged from the state Commissioner of Agricultural and Forestry, Mike Strain, to rural educators.

During Monday's conference, high-speed broadband Internet and its necessity for modern life and business were central topics. Broadband appeared to be one of rural communities' most significant limiting factors when discussing economic opportunities and education.

There is a lot of untapped business potential in rural areas, said UL Lafayette's Director of Economic and Community Development Chad Lacomb. Expanded access to fiber Internet could allow rural downtowns to flourish while businesses sell to global markets.

Read more: After concerning audit, new LUS Fiber director shares priorities for Lafayette utility

For those communities to capitalize on economic growth due to broadband, rural towns require a master plan, John Campbell, Director of B1 Foundation in Baton Rouge, said. He said many rural communities can be bogged down in local squabbles that hold back collaboration.

Rural broadband has lagged as of late despite the significant $1.8 billion investment into Louisiana. The two main programs are funded either with RDOF funds or GUMBO funds. The Louisiana Public Service Commission handles the RDOF certification process, while Connect LA oversees GUMBO/BEAD funds.

According to a state audit, only 10% of the 146,203 RDOF projects have been completed, with three out of 10 providers still only in the planning phase. According to FCC rules, 40% of RDOF-funded projects must be completed by the end of 2024, with later arrivals due by the end of 2025.

GUMBO grant projects, which are not beholden to the same FCC rules and timelines, are faring better. As of March, 18.4% of the program's 66,351 locations had been served.

Despite the challenges, panelist Travis Franks, owner of Educational Professional Services, said that rural communities were forgotten by major telecommunication providers before the pandemic. Now, these communities are seeing some of the largest investments in their towns ever.

Digital literacy in rural areas has been a lasting issue, said Veneeth Iyegar, Executive Director of Connect LA. While many urban communities might take for granted greater access to digital devices, many rural school districts and homes lack adequate connectivity. Improving digital literacy will require unique approaches in the future, Iyegar said. That might look more traditional, like collaboration with schools and libraries down to working local churches or bringing in college students as volunteers to teach rural students and adults.

Educators also took the stage to talk about educational issues facing rural students, such as lack of access to STEM and arts education and how to attract and retain certified teachers. Those issues might be better addressed now that the state recently joined the National Rural Education Association, said Director Jaleesa Jones Thompson, Ph.D. The state was one of only a few states that were not affiliated with the organization.

In Louisiana, 35% of teachers are leaving their first school within five years, said Amiee Barber, Ph.D., assistant professor of the College of Education at UL. Programs like the Educators Rising Clubs in middle schools and high schools could better prepare students for careers in education while fostering a dedication to their communities.

On Tuesday, summit panelists discussed local government's role in tackling rural issues, business development, agriculture, state funding opportunities and rural healthcare. The summit was hosted at the Paragon Casino in Marksville.