Ultrafast: AT&T says it has launched ultrafast fiber internet service in parts of the Baton Rouge area, including parts of Central, Denham Springs, Zachary, and other surrounding communities. In a news release, AT&T says the company is offering one gigabit connections to homes, apartments and small business locations; it’s also connecting 20 apartments and condo properties on its 100% fiber network powered by AT&T Fiber. One gigabit internet speeds are 20 times faster than the average cable customer, the company says. Internet-only pricing for AT&T Internet 1000, the fastest speed tier on AT&T 100% fiber network, starts at $90 a month, according to the release. The Baton Rouge area, the company says, is one of 44 metros nationwide where the service is being provided. The announcement comes just a few months after the Metro Council approved a study on the implementation of a parishwide high fiber network. Read AT&T’s full announcement.
New allies: A super PAC supporting Republican U.S. Senate candidate John Kennedy, the state treasurer, says Louisiana’s voters should support Kennedy in the Dec. 10 runoff because he will work with President-elect Donald Trump in Washington. The Associated Press reports reports a new TV ad from ESAFund ties Kennedy to Trump, saying: “John Kennedy and Donald Trump will move Louisiana forward.” The 30-second spot notes that Democratic candidate Foster Campbell voted against Trump and supports President Barack Obama’s health overhaul. The ad begins airing statewide today, The PAC says. Trump won 58% of the vote in Louisiana. Campbell, a state utility regulator, supported Hillary Clinton, but he says he’ll work with the incoming president “when he’s right.” Louisiana’s runoff will decide the nation’s last U.S. Senate seat.
One voice: Hundreds of American companies—including Mars, Nike, Levi Strauss and Starbucks—are urging President-elect Donald Trump not to abandon the Paris climate deal, saying a failure by the United States to build a clean economy endangers American prosperity. The New York Times reports that in a joint letter addressed to Trump—as well as President Barack Obama and members of Congress—365 companies and major investors emphasized their commitment to addressing climate change. They also demanded that Trump leave in place low-emissions policies. The companies also say they would push ahead with their own targets to reduce their carbon footprints regardless of steps taken by the Trump administration. During his campaign, Trump, who has called climate change a hoax, pledged to leave the Paris accord, dismantle the Environmental Protection Agency and undo Obama’s climate change policies. Read the full story.
