BAKER, La. (BRPROUD) – With a mission to close the digital divide in the state, AT&T Louisiana is set to provide affordable or free access to many residents. 

Along with state and city officials, AT&T announced a milestone of more than 500,000 customer locations in Louisiana which aims to provide many unserved communities with high-speed, fiber and broadband internet. 

“The internet has become an essential part of our daily lives. It is no longer a luxury but a necessity,” said Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome. “Now more than ever it is crucial for our families, students, and businesses to have reliable and high-speed internet access to stay connected. To work remotely, access education, health care services and more.” 

Gov. John Bel Edwards said access to AT&T internet is set to eliminate the digital divide in the state for the next few years, which will create a monumental impact for families. 

“We want to eliminate the digital divide, that means every address, business or residential will have true, high-speed internet available that will be affordable to them,” Edwards said.

In regards to the 500,000 location milestone that was established, President of AT&T Louisiana David Aubrey, said residents can expect more AT&T Fiber locations.

“There residents have access to high-speed internet to the speed of 5 gigs, which is phenomenal. In more than 23 cities across Louisiana. We’re just so excited, we’re keeping it going and we intend to connect more communities as well,” he said. 

Along with accessibility, residents can also qualify to receive internet for a reduced or no cost, which comes through participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program.

“Individuals who qualify could receive a voucher for $30 dollars and for that AT&T has identified a product that they could utilize that voucher and receive basically free internet. They give them high-speed that has an up and down speed of 100Mbps. It’s very good for families,” Aubrey said. 

In order to see if you are eligible, click here. After qualifying, you can go to att.com/getacp, or call 866-986-0963 to sign up for the service.