Steven Porch

Steven Porch

Executive Broadband Manager for ARC Broadband Program

Steven Porch is Chief Legal Counsel for the Department of Commerce, and he will also be the Executive Broadband Manager for the AEDC Arkansas Rural Connect Grant Program. He will provide oversight and guidance for the ARC program.

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New Opportunities For Arkansas Rural Connect Applicants:

  • There is now $100M in CARES Act funding available for broadband deployment to qualified areas before December 30, 2020.
  • Internet Service Providers (ISP’s) and Electric Cooperatives and their subsidiaries may now apply.
  • Other companies capable of deploying broadband are also allowed to apply.
  • Communities under 500 in population may now apply
  • ISP’s and Electric Cooperatives do not have to deploy to the entire community due to flexibility in the deployment rate.
  • ISP’s and Electric Cooperatives must include the area they plan to cover in their application.
  • Applicants must include a letter with their application explaining how deployment will assist with telemedicine, distance learning, and telework.

Please contact the Broadband Office with any questions.

Resources

State Broadband Report

Survey Map

State Broadband Plan

AR Rural Connect

AR Rural Connect Application

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