Technology

Another ‘gig’ deal for Lafayette

by Cherry Fisher May

LUS Fiber and Lafayette Regional team up to offer a gig of service at the airport.

Lafayette Regional Airport Executive Director Steven Picou, left, and airport commissioner Paul Guilbeau
Photo by Tina Lation

In a new contract with LUS Fiber, Lafayette Regional Airport officials announced April 17 that free one-gigabit wi-fi service for passengers and employees is now live at the facility.

“In addition to passengers, this will benefit airport police and TSA security operations,” says newly installed LRA Executive Director Steven Picou. This makes Lafayette one of only two airports in the U.S. to offer a gigabit to the public, according to City-Parish President Joey Durel, calling it a new gateway to Lafayette.

Lafayette Airport Commission Vice Chairman Paul Guilbeau says the deal was first envisioned a year ago: “It took a back seat to passing the tax (the one penny, one year, one project tax that will fund construction of a new terminal) and appointing a new director, but we picked it up quickly after both those things were accomplished.”

LUS Director Terry Huval says the service will be good for the city’s image. “You only get one chance to make a first impression,” he notes. “Visitors and business travelers who check their iPads or iPhones on arrival or before they leave can log in a zoom away — and it’s free.”