Conexon Connect Secures $9 Million BEAD Award to Expand Fiber Broadband in Louisiana

Rural fiber broadband provider Conexon announced that its internet service subsidiary, Conexon Connect, has received the first federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding disbursement from the state of Louisiana. The initial payment is part of a $9 million award and will support the start of BEAD-funded construction in six northern Louisiana parishes.

In addition to the finalized Louisiana award, Conexon Connect has been preliminarily awarded more than $215 million in BEAD funding across multiple states. The funding is intended to expand high-speed fiber internet access in rural communities in eight states.

The Louisiana BEAD award will fund construction of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) networks in unserved and underserved areas of Claiborne, Union, West Carroll, Richland, Franklin, and Catahoula parishes.

Together with prior funding from the state’s GUMBO 1.0 program and the federal Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), the BEAD support is expected to enable FTTH deployment to approximately 60,000 homes and businesses across 20 parishes in Louisiana. The company plans to launch service in Concordia Parish and expand availability in Webster Parish in the second quarter of 2026. Expansion into Union Parish and other remaining areas is anticipated to begin in the third quarter of 2026.

"We remain committed to ensuring our BEAD funding in Louisiana translates to a brighter future for our community partners and the rural residents who need reliable connectivity most," Conexon Founding Partner Randy Klindt said.

Conexon Connect began operating as an ISP in 2021 with a focus on rural markets. In Louisiana, its first project launched in 2023 in partnership with Delta Interfaith leadership in East Carroll Parish. According to the company, more than 1,500 homes and businesses there now have access to fiber internet service.

Since its launch, Conexon Connect reports completing 13 fiber networks in partnership with electric cooperatives and community organizations, with seven additional networks expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Source: Conexon Connect

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