Conexon Halts Lake Providence Fiber Build Over $6.2 Million Funding Loss and State Reimbursement Dispute
Updated
Updated · NOLA.com · May 25
Conexon Halts Lake Providence Fiber Build Over $6.2 Million Funding Loss and State Reimbursement Dispute
1 articles · Updated · NOLA.com · May 25
Lake Providence’s planned fiber rollout has stalled because Conexon says it will not start city construction until Louisiana’s ConnectLA reimburses it for two completed projects in East Carroll and Webster parishes.
30% of Conexon’s GUMBO project has been reimbursed and 70% audited, according to broadband chief Veneeth Iyengar, who says more compliance checks are needed before further payment.
The delay follows the loss of Conexon’s $6.2 million BEAD award, which was redirected to SpaceX’s Starlink even though local advocates still argue fiber is cheaper and more reliable.
Lake Providence, a city of about 3,500, is now weighing community-owned broadband as residents say years of grant fights, program changes and payment disputes have left them stuck in the middle.
For residents such as Cassandra Toston, who returned after fiber reached rural East Carroll, the fight is tied to jobs, remote work and whether people can afford to stay in the community.
Why was federal fiber funding for a poor town diverted to Starlink satellite?
A town awaits internet. Why is Louisiana withholding millions from the builder?
Stuck between a state and a company, can this town build its own internet?