Louisiana Connected and the City of Mansfield Announce Partnership to Design, Build and Operate a Fiber-Based Municipal Broadband System Mansfield City Council Approves Binding Memorandum of Understanding with Louisiana Connected

Louisiana Connected and the City of Mansfield Announce Partnership to Design, Build and Operate a Fiber-Based Municipal Broadband System Mansfield City Council Approves Binding Memorandum of Understanding with Louisiana Connected

June 2023 – Louisiana Connected and the city of Mansfield, are pleased to announce a partnership allowing the company to construct a fiber optic network that will deliver high-speed internet service directly to the homes and businesses in this Northwest Louisiana town.

The Mansfield City Council, on May 22, 2023, voted unanimously on a Binding Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) with Louisiana Connected to design, build and operate the fiber-based broadband municipal system.

Louisiana Connected will fully-fund the multimillion-dollar construction and operation of the Mansfield network with private capital.

“Since the pandemic, I have worked alongside the City Council to fulfill the desire of many residents for efficient broadband in the city,” said Mayor Thomas Jones. “I am excited to be on track with my goal to deliver on that strategic plan and look forward to a collaborative partnership with Louisiana Connected going forward.”

“We applaud Mayor Jones and the City Council’s leadership whose vision for world-class internet infrastructure for Mansfield made this announcement possible,” said Donnette Dunbar, CEO of Louisiana Connected. “We are grateful for the City of Mansfield’s support and look forward to providing them with a network that will support their goals for growth and prosperity.”

Louisiana Connected is working with Burns & McDonnell to design the system.

“The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the weaknesses in broadband across the country, especially in communities of color and rural towns,” said Robert Osborne with Burns & McDonnell. “We are excited to work on this effort in cooperation with Louisiana Connected to bridge the digital divide by providing reliable broadband access to residents and businesses in Mansfield.”

Burns & McDonnell’s industry knowledge and large-scale fiber upgrade experience help to create crucial connections for growing networks.

“By closing the digital divide we are connecting rural communities and building opportunities for them to grow towards empowerment and economic growth in a digital age,” said Osborne.

The Binding MOU, which was negotiated by the global tech and infrastructure-focused law firm, Orrick, comes on the heels of a five-month state-required feasibility study so the city could receive complete cost estimates for the system’s buildout as well as identify the neighborhoods with broadband deficit.

“Internet access has become as critical for learning, business and health as electricity and gas for basic living,”
said Charles C. Cardall, Partner at Orrick. “Data shows 42 million Americans still have no access to broadband and millions more have low level connections, which is why Orrick is excited to apply our expertise to get these communities online and unlock the myriad social and economic benefits that emerge with improved digital equity.”

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About Louisiana Connected: Louisiana Connected is a technology company that was created during the COVID-19 pandemic to address the systemic broadband blight in rural and urban Louisiana.

About Burns & McDonnell: Burns & McDonnell brings together an unmatched team of more than 13,500 consultants, engineers,
architects, construction and craft professionals, and more to design and build critical infrastructure. Our solutions-driven, integrated team offers full- service capabilities. Founded in 1898 and working from 70 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned.

About Orrick: Orrick is an international law firm founded in San Francisco. The firm advises on transactions, litigation and regulatory matters for venture-backed companies, public companies, E&I funds, financial institutions and governments.

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