Arkansas receives approval to continue broadband program

The Arkansas State Broadband Office (ARConnect) announced today that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has formally approved Arkansas’ continuation of its Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program.
With this approval, ARConnect will open its “Benefit of the Bargain” round on July 7, which will run through July 14, ensuring that Arkansas stays on track to deliver broadband access to all unserved and underserved communities across the state.
“Arkansas looks forward to resuming our best-in-class BEAD Program that drives market-driven outcomes and expands high-speed internet access for all Arkansans,” said Glen Howie, Arkansas State Broadband Director. “With NTIA’s approval, we can now move forward with our work to finalize awards and deliver on our promise to eliminate the digital divide.”

ARConnect anticipates publishing its Final Proposal for public comment in mid-August. By the end of August, Arkansas plans to submit the proposal to the federal government for approval, ahead of schedule. This document will outline the results of the state’s BEAD program, including all proposed grant awards.
Any Internet Service Provider interested in participating in the BEAD program, that has not previously, should contact ARConnect via email at broadband@arkansas.gov or the Arkansas Broadband Hotline at (501) 683-6000.