December Newsletter

December 17, 2025

A Message from the State Broadband Director

Dear Arkansas Broadband Stakeholder,

As we approach the end of another year, December offers a natural moment to reflect on how far Arkansas has come, and to prepare for what lies ahead. This season is one of gratitude, and I’m proud of the collective work that continues to move our state closer to universal broadband access. From careful planning to disciplined execution, Arkansas is positioned to deliver real, lasting connectivity for communities across the Natural State.

In this month’s newsletter, you’ll read about the recent approval of Arkansas’ BEAD Program budget by NIST, our continued commitment to saving and protecting taxpayer dollars, and how our teams and partners are preparing for the transition from planning to construction. We close with a look at the long-term impact of these efforts, measured not just in miles of fiber, but in opportunity for hundreds of thousands of Arkansans. Together, these updates reflect a program built for results and focused on the future.

Our team wishes you a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Naturally connected,

Glen E. Howie, Jr.
Arkansas State Broadband Director

Another Milestone: NIST Approves Arkansas’ BEAD Program Budget
Arkansas reached another critical milestone this month with approval of the state’s BEAD Program budget by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This approval follows NTIA’s acceptance of Arkansas’ BEAD Final Proposal and represents a key validation of the state’s program design, financial controls, and implementation strategy. Together, these federal approvals position Arkansas among a small group of early-moving states ready to advance toward deployment.

With this step complete, Arkansas moves closer to the construction phase of the largest broadband investment in state history. Pending legislative appropriation, the Arkansas State Broadband Office (ARConnect) remains on track to authorize construction activities during the first half of 2026, ensuring that BEAD funds are deployed responsibly, efficiently, and in a manner that delivers lasting value for communities across the state.

📰 Read the Arkansas Democrat Gazette’s coverage here.

Built to Save & Protect Taxpayer Dollars

From the outset, Arkansas designed its BEAD Program with a focus on fiscal responsibility. A competitive, market-driven process encouraged strong provider participation while driving costs down, resulting in one of the lowest average costs per location in the nation, at just $3,891. This approach ensures that limited public dollars go further, extending broadband access to more Arkansans without unnecessary expense.

Just as importantly, the program was built to protect taxpayer dollars through strong oversight and accountability. Fixed-amount subawards, milestone-based payments, and risk-informed monitoring create multiple layers of protection before, during, and after construction. This disciplined approach reflects Arkansas’ commitment to transparency, integrity, and stewardship, and sets a national example for how large-scale broadband programs can be managed responsibly.

🏛️ Learn more about the Arkansas BEAD Program here.

Preparing Arkansas for Construction: What Comes Next?

With major planning and approval milestones now in place, our team is focused on preparing for successful implementation. This includes coordination with providers and local communities, readiness planning for permitting and construction, and continued highlighting of workforce development programs to ensure the state has the skilled labor needed to build and maintain modern broadband networks.

Equally important is maintaining a strong foundation of compliance and reporting as projects move forward. ARConnect continues to work closely with partners to ensure expectations are clear and processes are consistent, so that when construction begins, projects can proceed efficiently and with confidence. This deliberate, measured approach reflects Arkansas’ readiness to move from planning to execution.

🛠️ Learn more about the programs of the Arkansas Fiber Academy here.

Did You Know? A Decade of Transformation

Over the course of this decade, from 2020 to 2030, more than 400,000 locations and over 1 million Arkansans will gain access to modern broadband speeds for the very first time. This transformational impact on a third of the state’s population is the result of a coordinated effort across state broadband grants, other federal funding programs, and significant private capital investment by providers serving communities large and small.

These investments represent more than infrastructure, they open doors to education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and quality of life. As Arkansas looks toward the second half of this decade, the impact of these collective efforts will be felt for generations, reinforcing broadband connectivity as essential infrastructure for the state’s future.

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