From 2013 to 2015, national telecommunications company AT&T invested more than $1 billion in their wired and wireless networks in Louisiana, including 863 Wi-Fi hotspots in Louisiana.
The company has made a commitment to helping communities, businesses, and non-profits throughout New Orleans and Louisiana.
For those customers who cannot afford AT&T services such as Internet, TV and phone packages, the company offers a program called Access by AT&T that helps low-income households get connected. Eligible households must have at least one person that participates in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), live in one of the 21 states the company services, and have at least one of the three Internet speed tiers available at the address where they live. Throughout the 13 planning districts and 72 distinct neighborhoods in New Orleans, many households benefit from the program.
“AT&T uses the power of our network to build a better tomorrow,” Leo Marsh, Greater New Orleans Area Regional Director at AT&T, told Silicon Bayou News. “We are committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives by investing in projects that create learning opportunities, promote academic and economic achievement or address community needs.”
AT&T is also a major supporter non-profits, organizations and businesses in New Orleans that are making a positive impact on the city. The company has:
- Collaborated with the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) to bring AT&T’s Digital You training to the organization
- Contributed $60,000 to Xavier University in both 2015 and 2016 to support scholarships for high-achieving students in need of financial aid
- Contributed $180,000 to the Urban League of Louisiana, including supporting their career and college preparatory program, Project Ready
- Supported Communities in Schools’ Aspire local impact initiative and donated $300,000 to Communities in Schools of Greater Orleans
- Contributed $5,000 to Café Reconcile and another $5,000 to Liberty’s Kitchen in New Orleans
In Orleans Parish alone, the Urban League of Greater New Orleans Building, Mid-City Market, and 643 Magazine Street are all fiber designated buildings. AT&T’s 100% fiber network also allows customers to choose Internet speed in areas including parts of St. Tammany Parish, Lafourche Parish, Tangipahoa Parish and Terrebonne Parish.
AT&T is hoping the new fiber accessibility will help grow small businesses and improve access to educational opportunities. “The 100% fiber network from AT&T will contribute to our growing economy and high quality of life in St. Tammany Parish,” said St. Tammany Parish President Pat Brister.
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