Believe it or not in 2024, there will still be Arkansans without access to the internet. Now there’s a federally funded plan that could change that.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Lack of broadband access affects millions of Americans every day, especially right here in Arkansas.
“We believe there are still approximately 160,000 homes and businesses in Arkansas without full internet service,” said State Broadband Director Glenn Howie.
But under President Joe Biden’s new infrastructure bill, Arkansas will receive just over $1 billion to fix the problem once and for all.
“There is no better means for economic security and personal freedom than high-speed internet,” Howie explained.
Historically, Arkansas has ranked fairly low when it comes to broadband access, and Howie explained that he hopes the new plan will give the state a better understanding of the extent of the problem.
“The State Broadband Office has released a new and improved State Broadband Map. Previous versions of the map included details by region or area. This new and improved version of the State Broadband Map It’s actually detailed at the location level so it’s available to any household.” Every business, every school, every community anchor facility like a fire department hospital is actually more present on our map. , beyond that,” he explained.
Howie also explained that starting next week, internet service providers, nonprofits, and local government departments will be able to log into our challenge portal and launch challenges in different locations across the state. Did.
Another addition: For the first time in state history, Arkansans will be able to look at a map and decide for themselves if it’s accurate based on what they’re experiencing close to home. .
“For example, if the map says they have great internet service, but there’s no service at all, they need to dispute that and let us know there’s a problem,” Howie said. he added.
He outlined all the key points to ensure everyone across the state can get online, no matter where they are.
“This impacts everything we do, from economic development to workforce development to quality of life, and we want to be a leading state in this process,” Howie said. he said.
Click here for more information about Internet access.
