September Newsletter

A Message from the State Broadband Director

Dear Arkansas Broadband Stakeholder,Our State’s broadband journey continues to gain momentum, and I’m excited to share some of the latest updates with you in this month’s inaugural newsletter. Inside, you’ll find details on four major milestones: the unveiling of Arkansas’ BEAD Program draft Final Proposal, the launch of a new Broadband Affordability Dashboard, the Arkansas Fiber Academy’s newest program, and a quick look at how the Natural State led the nation in increased broadband connectivity from 2021 to 2024.

Each of these developments underscores our commitment to expanding broadband access, driving affordability, and ensuring digital opportunity for every Arkansan. I encourage you to explore these stories and stay engaged as we continue building one of the most connected states in the nation.

Naturally connected,

Glen E. Howie, Jr.
Arkansas State Broadband Director

Arkansas Unveils BEAD Draft Final Proposal; On Pace for 100% Coverage

On August 22, the Arkansas State Broadband Office (ARConnect) unveiled the state’s draft Final Proposal for the $1 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. This proposal marks a major step toward achieving universal broadband coverage across Arkansas, ensuring every home and business will have access to reliable, high-speed internet. Through a highly competitive process, the program secured coverage for more than 79,000 homes and businesses, with 23 internet service providers (ISPs) selected for preliminary awards. Notably, the state achieved one of the lowest average costs in the nation—$3,891 per location—underscoring Arkansas’ efficiency and strong market-driven approach.

The draft Final Proposal also incorporated adjustments required by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice, resulting in a leaner $308.3 million outlay, nearly $275 million less than previous estimates. With 76% of locations slated for fiber connections and the remainder covered through low-Earth-orbit satellite, fixed wireless, or hybrid technologies, Arkansas is on pace to deliver universal connectivity. Pending approval by NTIA and authorization from the Arkansas General Assembly, construction is expected to begin in the first half of 2026.For more information, please visit the Arkansas BEAD Webpage. You can also read the press release here.

ARConnect Launches Arkansas Internet Affordability Dashboard

ARConnect has launched a new Internet Affordability Dashboard to make it easier for Arkansans to explore available low-cost internet plans. The online dashboard compiles affordability options offered by ISPs across the state and organizes them in a clear, user-friendly format. By displaying information county by county, the tool allows residents to quickly identify plans in their area and compare offerings.

This resource is designed with the general public in mind—whether families are looking to reduce monthly bills, students need reliable access for school, or seniors want to stay connected with loved ones. By putting information about affordable plans in one accessible place, the Arkansas Internet Affordability Dashboard empowers Arkansans to make informed choices and ensures that cost is not a barrier to staying connected in today’s digital world.

You can access the Arkansas Internet Affordability Dashboard here.

The Arkansas Fiber Academy’s Newest Program

The Arkansas Fiber Academy is proud to announce the launch of its newest offering—the Fiber Network Engineer Program, developed in partnership with industry leaders to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) technology. This intensive 15-week program blends classroom instruction with practical labs, hands-on projects, and guest lectures from experts, giving students both the technical skills and real-world perspective needed to succeed in today’s broadband workforce. Participants will gain a deep understanding of FTTH networks, routing, and switching, while also learning about the latest developments shaping the industry.

The program will be hosted at the University of Arkansas Cossatot in Lockesburg (1248 E. Main, Lockesburg, AR 71846) and will run Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break. Thanks to a grant from the Arkansas Office of Skills Development, the training is offered at no cost to eligible participants. By equipping Arkansans with these in-demand skills, the Fiber Network Engineer Program is helping build the workforce that will power the state’s next generation of broadband infrastructure.

You can visit the program website here. And remember, this program is free!

Did You Know?

From 2021 to 2024, Arkansas led the nation in increased broadband connectivity, with a 9% jump that ranked first in the country according to a recent study by HostingAdvice.com. Benton County stood out with the 10th largest county-level increase nationwide at 21%, and six Arkansas counties placed among the top 100 counties across the U.S. for growth in broadband connectivity. These results highlight the remarkable progress made in closing the digital divide and ensuring more Arkansans have access to reliable, high-speed internet.

This success is the product of years of dedication and collaboration—spanning two administrations, the ongoing leadership of Governor Sanders and the Arkansas General Assembly, strong support from our federal partners and community stakeholders, and, most importantly, the commitment of Arkansas’ ISPs. Whether through state and federal grants or private capital investment, ISPs across our state have risen to the challenge and delivered for Arkansas communities. Their continued efforts are a driving force behind our state’s broadband momentum.

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