Remarks of FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler
For the LUS Fiber Ten Year Xtravaganza
July 16, 2015
Greetings from Washington, DC – I wish I could be with you today to celebrate the 10
th
anniversary of the public vote that established your community broadband network.   I 
want to send special congratulations to Mayor Joey Durel and LUS Director Terry Huval, 
who had the foresight to understand the importance of this network to the future of 
Lafayette and the courage and persistence to make sure that their vision became a reality.
I know that this 10
th
anniversary didn’t come easily.  I know that Mayor Durel repeatedly 
asked the incumbent service providers to upgrade their networks to enable Lafayette to 
survive and thrive in the emerging information-based global economy, and that the 
incumbents repeatedly declined.  So the city decided to take control of its broadband 
future and build its own network.
Thanks to your indomitable Cajun spirit, you prevailed, despite restrictive legislation and 
three years of litigation. The result has been a network that has brought new industries 
and over 1000 jobs to the community.   Moreover, the system is cash flow positive and is 
projected to be in the black by the end of the year.   For this reason, Standard & Poor’s 
recently upgraded the network with an A+ rating.
As one of the nation’s first community broadband networks, Lafayette has served as an 
example to other communities seeking to bring super-fast broadband to their citizens.  
Hundreds of cities and towns across America have either built or are making plans to 
build Gigabit networks.  They have seen the economic and social benefits of these 
networks and like Lafayette, will not take “no” for an answer.
So congratulations LUS Fiber on a hard earned 10
th
anniversary.  Thank you for being a 
leader in community broadband and a model for others to emulate.  We at the FCC wish 
you continued success for many years to come.