Gov. Jeff Landry announced Thursday that Swyft Fiber plans to invest more than $1 billion in Louisiana broadband infrastructure, with the company locating 90% of its planned expansion in the state and establishing its national headquarters in Metairie. The headquarters alone is expected to keep an estimated 200 to 300 jobs in Jefferson Parish.
Landry said the investment reflects a broader strategy to keep businesses, jobs and workers in Louisiana while the state builds out its infrastructure, framing the deal as proof that Louisiana moved federal broadband dollars into deployment faster than any other state. As reported by WWL-TV, the governor said the investment will keep opportunities and jobs in Louisiana rather than send them elsewhere.
Swyft Fiber CEO Jason Hunt said the expansion focuses on areas with limited or no access to fiber internet, and that the company is prioritizing job creation and local subcontractors as it builds out. The company expects to expand fiber broadband access to as many as 500,000 homes across its service area over the next four years, targeting rural communities that have historically lacked reliable high-speed internet. Swyft Fiber plans to use Louisiana contractors to build the network, and had more than 40 open positions at the time of the announcement, with the average full-time employee earning about $80,000 annually.
Underground Build Aims at Hurricane Resilience
The fiber network is being built largely underground, intended to maintain connectivity during hurricanes and other natural disasters. Supporters of the buildout say improved broadband infrastructure could help small businesses reach more customers, allow students to take classes from home, and give families better access to online health care…