April Newsletter

A Message from the State Broadband Director

Dear Arkansas Broadband Stakeholder,

Arkansas continues to build real broadband momentum.

Over the past few months, we’ve seen both meaningful policy action and measurable progress on the ground. From legislative approval of major broadband investments to new federal data confirming expanded broadband access, the story is consistent: Arkansas is delivering results.

This month, you’ll read about the Arkansas State Broadband Office guiding more than $125 million in broadband investments through the state legislative process, an analysis of data from the FCC showing on-the-ground results, and a new partnership in Arkansas providing cutting-edge tools to local economic development leaders. And of course, another first-in-the-nation for the Natural State.

Naturally connected,

Glen E. Howie, Jr.
Arkansas State Broadband Director

Arkansas Legislative Council Approves First Round of BEAD Awards

On February 20, Arkansas reached an important milestone in the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program as the Arkansas Legislative Council approved the first round of awards totaling $126.1 million. These projects will expand high-speed broadband to more than 51,000 homes and businesses across our state, bringing reliable connectivity to communities large and small.

The approved projects include 14 Internet Service Providers and leverage $160.9 million in private matching funds, bringing total project costs to more than $287 million. That level of investment reflects confidence in Arkansas’ disciplined, market-driven broadband strategy. As our state continues to lead the nation in broadband connectivity growth, this approval ensures we keep building momentum and strengthening Arkansas’ long-term economic competitiveness.

📖 View the approved legislative docket here.

New FCC Data Shows Continued Broadband Access Gains

New data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) confirms that Arkansas continues making measurable progress expanding broadband access across the state. Between June and December 2024, Arkansas saw a 74% increase in the number of census tracts where at least 60% of locations had broadband access, along with a 51% increase in census tracts where at least 80% of locations had access.

In practical terms, more communities across Arkansas are crossing important connectivity thresholds, where broadband moves from being limited to broadly available for families, students, and small businesses. These gains reflect disciplined planning, strong provider partnerships, and a shared commitment to ensuring every Arkansas community has a fair shot at opportunity.

📚 View the FCC reports we used for our analysis here and here.


Data-Driven Tools Strengthen Rural Economic Development

Data-driven decision-making sits at the heart of lasting economic impact. Arkansas-based Heartland Forward recently partnered with the University of Arkansas’ Center for Rural Resilience and Workforce Development to launch the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Data Hub, a centralized platform designed to give rural communities better access to the information needed to shape local economic policy and investment decisions.

The Data Hub includes two core tools, the Labor Market Observatory and Rural Profile Dashboards, which bring together workforce, economic, demographic, infrastructure, health, and education data into a single, accessible platform across all eight of Arkansas’ EDA districts. By centralizing information that has never before been available in one place, these tools equip community leaders with the insights needed to strengthen local economies. Combined with initiatives like the Center for Investment Readiness, Arkansas is building not only broadband infrastructure, but the data infrastructure necessary to compete and thrive.

📊 Learn more and access the tools here.

Did You Know?

Arkansas became the first state in the nation to require computer science, including coding, as a course offering in K-12 schools, beginning over a decade ago, in 2015.

That early commitment to digital skills has helped position Arkansas students and communities for success in what has evolved into a rapidly changing, technology-first economy. Today, as broadband access expands across the state, that foundation is helping ensure more Arkansans are prepared to take full advantage of new opportunities.

Stay Connected

Stay connected with the latest updates on all things broadband in Arkansas! You can sign up here for updates, or connect with us through any of our social media channels linked below. You can also contact us directly via email at [email protected] or call the Arkansas Broadband Hotline at (501) 683-6000.

News & Updates