More Sulphur households now have access to AT&T fiber. Some of these households could be eligible for lower cost internet.

AT&T spokesperson Mark Giga piggybacked news about two Sulphur AT&T ribbon cuttings on Monday – one announcing the launch of newly available fiber internet to connect 300 households and businesses, and the second  to launch a new cell site to improve mobile internet and wireless communications in Sulphur – with a recent report that Louisiana families who might be eligible have not taken advantage of the Affordable Connectivity Program.

Estimates indicate that nearly 874,000 households in Louisiana may be eligible for ACP. But as of Feb. 27, only 393,000 households have enrolled.

ACP lowers the cost of internet service by up to $30 per month. AT&T is providing free internet service with the ACP benefit through “Access from AT&T.”

State Representative Les Farnum, Sulphur Mayor Mike Danahay and City Council Member Mandy Thomas expressed their appreciation of AT&T at the Monday ceremonies for its investment and expansion in the community.

The first ribbon cutting was held near the corner of Magnolia Street and Eveland Street in Sulphur where mostly underground fiber installation was recently wrapped up.

Levar Greenhouse, Area Manager External Affairs for AT&T, said the new 5 gig speed is a significant improvement to the 25 meg upload and three meg download speed.

The second ribbon cutting ceremony was held at 3908 Post Oak Road in Sulphur to celebrate a new cell site to improve mobile internet and wireless communications in Sulphur.

David J. Aubrey, Regional Vice President External and Legislative Affairs for AT&T, said after Hurricane Laura, the Sulphur retail store was one of the first to open, within a few days after the hurricane, and with a line that stretched longer than this street, he said, gesturing to the block of Magnolia Street.

City officials attested to AT&T’s weathering of the storm and setting up much-needed hotspots for schools and government entities.

So much “wireless” was sold to new customers, it necessitated an expansion of the network, Aubrey said.

Sowela Technical Community College Chancellor Neil Aspinwall said Sowela is helping train the necessary workforce for future expansion with its new fiber optic technician course.

Greenhouse said AT&T’s commitment goes beyond partnering with ACP and expanding availability of internet, wireless and cell phone services. Its digital literacy initiatives have involved helping seniors gain digital literacy and helping young people through STEM training.

To determine eligibility, for the cost savings internet service program, apply at getinternet.gov or call 877-384-2575. (AT&T does not determine eligibility.) Once confirmed eligible, visit att.com/getacp or call 866-986-0963 for more information on ACP and how to sign up for service with AT&T.