Let's get connected
MONROE!
The City of Monroe understands that the availability of reliable high speed internet is critical to maximizing the educational, healthcare, and economic development opportunities for its citizens and businesses. As a result, we launched an effort several years ago to explore ways to attract investment in faster and more reliable broadband services to all areas of our city. We heard from you via survey and community engagement on what you expect and wish for, with internet speed and connectivity. We also have partnered with the City of West Monroe to pursue opportunities and synthesize all of the information and programs that the state and federal government has provided. Make sure to stay tuned to this page, for information about our efforts as they move forward.
HOW IT STARTED
In 2021, the Louisiana Legislature created a rural broadband funding program (GUMBO). The initial funding for the program of $180 million in federal funds authorized by the Biden Administration following the COVID pandemic generated statewide discussions about eligibility and opportunities. The legislation also created “ConnectLA” which became the office of Broadband Development and Connectivity for the State. The ConnectLA staff began and series of regional briefings designed to help communities better understand the program and also encourage all communities to pro-actively evaluate their respective highspeed internet needs.
In response, the City of Monroe assembled a Broadband Steering Committee comprised of community members and subject matter experts. The Committee collected available demographic and mapping information to identify existing internet coverage and coverage gaps. Note: the Monroe City School System has had and continues to have access to millions in federal E-Rate funds designated only for schools and libraries and has used those funds to make sure MCS are connected with robust internet availability. The Broadband Steering Committee discussed topics ranging from accurate maps to affordability and digital literacy as key needs for the City to address. Additionally, Mayor Ellis requested that the sections of town with the greatest needs for equitable internet speeds and access be identified as priorities for any program that the City pursued.
Following discussions with West Monroe, Monroe City learned that both cities had similar needs and opportunities; however, neither city had staffing expertise in assessing the latest broadband technologies or network design and development. Additional discussions with West Monroe led to the location of a knowledgeable consulting firm to assist with
- Understanding the complex GUMBO program;
- Auditing City existing fiber and providers;
- Developing accurate and current mapping data; and vetting potential fiber providers capable and willing to buildout a fiber network to meet city needs and priorities.
West Monroe and Monroe identified PhireLink as a consulting group with extensive fiber network and provider experience that specialized in helping smaller and midsized communities with broadband projects. The cities ultimately negotiated and joint contract with PhireLink. Each city also agreed they would proceed independently of each other to address unique and confidential needs, but to also stay in touch on joint issues and initiatives.
Even though the structure of the GUMBO program was focused primarily on unserved or underserved rural areas for broadband funding, both West Monroe and Monroe decided to pursue fiber deployment opportunities that would connect all residents and businesses, connect anchor institutions such as recreation centers with free connectivity, and offer affordable services to meet the needs of all residents.
Monroe Broadband Initiative aims to improve high-speed internet access. In response to the 2021 Louisiana Legislature’s rural broadband funding program (GUMBO), a Broadband Steering Committee was formed to address coverage gaps and enhance digital connectivity.
GUMBO (Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities) is a rural broadband funding program created by the Louisiana Legislature in 2021. ConnectLA is the office of Broadband Development and Connectivity for the State of Louisiana, established to oversee and facilitate broadband initiatives statewide.
A broadband steering committee was formed for the City of Monroe to help guide the efforts of this initiative. They also expanded their work by meeting with the steering committee formed for the City of West Monroe, which had representatives from Ouachita Parish present, to be sure that all three entities could move forward together in their information gathering and analysis. The Monroe Broadband Steering Committee was formed to evaluate the city’s high-speed internet needs. It comprises community members and experts collecting data to identify existing internet coverage and gaps in Monroe.
The City of Monroe’s steering committee was comprised of the following stakeholders:
- University of Louisiana Monroe
- St. Francis Medical Center
- City of Monroe Fire Department
- Ochsner LSU Health System
- Monroe City Schools
- City of Monroe Police Department
- City of Monroe Engineering Department
- City of Monroe IT Department
- LUMEN
- Louisiana Delta Community College
- Monroe Chamber of Commerce
- Ouachita Parish Police Jury
- Local business community representatives
The initiative aims to deploy fiber networks to create access to fiber for all residents and businesses and offer free connectivity to anchor institutions like recreation centers. This will position Monroe as an innovative, pro-business city, attractive to new families and workers.
Key stakeholders include:
- Every Citizen in Monroe!
- Healthcare
- Education
- Remote Workers
- Global/National Businesses
- Data Centers
- Innovation Parks
- Higher Education
- Economic Development
- Digital City Services
- Law Enforcement
- Arts & Entertainment
