Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Arkansas State Broadband Director Glen Howie announced Monday that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved the second volume of Arkansas’ initial proposal for the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program.
The approval enables Arkansas to request more than $1 billion in funding and begin implementation of the state’s BEAD proposal. Volume two of the BEAD initial proposal details Arkansas’ plans for operating its broadband infrastructure grant program, requirements for potential applicants and non-deployment priorities.
The proposal addresses 16 requirements related to the BEAD program, including program objectives, planning processes, local coordination and workforce readiness.
“Once NTIA subsequently approves the state’s mapping challenge process results, the Arkansas State Broadband Office stands ready to move quickly and launch the next round of broadband infrastructure grants,” Howie said in a press release.
The BEAD program is a $42.45 billion federal grant program. NTIA allocated a portion of these funds to each state to deploy or upgrade internet networks to expand access to reliable, affordable and high-speed internet service. Once Arkansas meets its deployment goals, the state can use any remaining funding on high-speed internet adoption, training and workforce development efforts, among other eligible uses.
“Increasing the availability of affordable and accessible broadband to all corners of the state, including rural and underserved communities, is crucial for growing economic opportunities for Arkansans,” Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald said in the release. “Broadband is a modern necessity, and expanded access will enable innovative Arkansans to grow businesses, launch new ventures and build wealth and jobs right here in the Natural State.”
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