Affordable, reliable broadband access will enable all Arkansans to self-determine their success in the 21st-century digital economy.
The Natural State is working hard to enhance digital opportunities for all Arkansans.
By investing in the future workforce and tomorrow’s economy, Arkansas is solidifying its place as the best state in the country to live, work, and raise a family.
Broadband Opportunities for All Arkansans
Digital Skills and Opportunity Plan
The Arkansas Digital Skills and Opportunity Plan outlines an actionable path forward to making digital opportunity a reality for all Arkansans. With a focus on digital skills training and device programs, this plan will empower our state’s residents to self-determine their success in the 21st Century digital economy.
Digital Skills Training
Some Arkansans face barriers to accessing information and opportunities in an increasingly digital age. To take advantage of high-speed internet, basic digital skills are required to navigate online, apply for a job, or search for healthcare options.
An estimated 274,000 Arkansas in the traditional working age bracket of 18-64 may lack basic digital skills.
As digital skills training platforms become available through the implementation of the Digital Skills and Opportunity Plan, the Arkansas State Broadband Office will link them here.
Broadband Jobs
The Arkansas State Broadband Office is partnering with Heartland Forward and The Pew Charitable Trusts to launch the Connecting the Heartland Broadband Jobs Board to connect Arkansans to broadband careers and training opportunities within the broadband industry in Arkansas.
This online, one-stop-shop streamlines the process of upskilling Arkansans and connecting them to career and educational opportunities in the broadband space.
Broadband Job Training Programs
The Arkansas Fiber Academy offers comprehensive and accelerated training that prepares Arkansans for broadband careers as aerial linemen, telecommunications tower technicians, and underground drilling technicians.
Over the next several years, an estimated 8,000 broadband workers will be needed in Arkansas to complete the state’s broadband buildout and upgrade. The time is now to take advantage of this tuition-free opportunity!
Get Involved
Arkansas Broadband Leaders’ Network
The Arkansas Broadband Leaders’ Network (ABLN) is a communications medium between the Arkansas State Broadband Office and broadband stakeholders throughout the state to connect, collaborate, and share information. The ABLN has hundreds of members and meets virtually every two weeks. Meetings alternate between general informational sessions and educational programming on broadband-related topics.
To join the ABLN, please fill out the contact form below:
Arkansas Connectivity Coalition
The Arkansas Connectivity Coalition is a group of more than 15 organizations committed to making high-speed internet more accessible and affordable in Arkansas. The Coalition is made up of nonprofits, advocacy organizations, thought leaders and philanthropies that recognize access to broadband is essential for full participation in the 21st century: the future of the state’s healthcare, education and economic infrastructure all relies on Arkansans having reliable internet service.
County Broadband Committees
The Arkansas State Broadband Office has encouraged every county in Arkansas to form its own county broadband committee to work in partnership with the state. Local officials and stakeholders know local issues, barriers, and potential solutions to those barriers better than anyone else. The county broadband committees are working in partnership with the Arkansas State Broadband Office to determine local broadband priorities. To date, 54 of Arkansas’ 75 counties have formed official county broadband committees.
If you are interested in joining or starting a county broadband committee, please fill out the County Broadband Committee Interest Form below:
Sign Up for Updates
Fill out the form below to sign up to receive regular updates and other communication from the Arkansas State Broadband Office.