Broadband
Jeffrey Nielsen Named President & CEO of the Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce (Super Mover)
Nielsen has spent much of his career in local government and the construction industry. read more >
Heath Simpson on Expanding Broadband in Rural Arkansas
Simpson's military background and Ritter Communications' rapid expansion shape his leadership approach, focusing on community-driven broadband growth and customer connection. read more >
State Broadband Proposal Gets Federal OK, Opening Door for $1B in Funding
The proposal details Arkansas’ plans for operating its broadband infrastructure grant program, requirements for potential applicants and non-deployment priorities. read more >
A Closing Gap: Arkansas Working Steadily to Deploy Broadband
Facing a lack of internet access in rural Arkansas, electric cooperatives had the existing infrastructure and interest in customer satisfaction to lead the charge in broadband deployment. read more >
by Chloe McGehee -
Ritter Announces $6.3M Broadband Program in Fort Smith
The company said the fiber-to-home service will bring multi-gigabit speed and connectivity built for the future to residents in some neighborhoods. read more >
USDA Awards $16.9M for Broadband Project in Phillips County
The money is a portion of $700 million in grants and loans announced Monday for high-speed internet projects in rural areas of 22 states. read more >
State Launches Campaign to Expand Internet Access For All Using $1B Grant
With over $1B from the BEAD program, Arkansas stands to build out internet infrastructure in rural areas and finally close the state’s digital divide. read more >
by Lara Farrar -
Of Internet … and Water (Editorial)
Faster internet is great, but safe drinking water is more important. Arkansas can do both. read more >
Philander Smith College Awarded $3M Grant to Upgrade Tech, Internet Access
The funds will provide computers to students in need, create a Wi-Fi hotspot program and improve wireless connectivity. read more >
by Lara Farrar -
$53M in Broadband Grant Money Flowing Again
Eight projects had been on hold after the governor abolished a steering committee for the funds. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Ritter Communications Expands Service Area in West Tennessee
The $1.5 million project brought fiber internet to Union City. read more >
State Partners With Nonprofit to Continue Broadband Push
A key component of the agreement will be developing statewide programs to overcome barriers to enrollment in a federal broadband benefit program. read more >
USDA Awards $18M for Rural Arkansas Broadband Projects
The funds are a portion of $759 million in grants and loans the USDA is providing to enable rural communities to access high-speed internet. read more >
Letter-of-Credit Rule Draws Criticism in Broadband Effort
Aristotle chief says hurdle is costly and likely to keep small firms out of program. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
Don’t Hobble the Little Guys (Editorial)
While the state is committed to expanding broadband access, its new proposal could hurt smaller providers. read more >
Broadband Grant Formula Raises Concerns
A new proposed new state funding formula would route broadband grants only to internet service providers that can cover 25% of the upfront costs, possibly leaving out smaller providers. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
State’s Broadband Focus Should Be 110,000 Homes in Grant Gap, Study Says
The households lack access to broadband with speeds adequate for learning and working. read more >
$30M Fiber Internet Project Planned for Pope County
It's being funded in part by federal pandemic aid dollars through the state-run Arkansas Rural Connect grant program. read more >
Little River County Gets $2M Federal Grant to Expand High-Speed Internet Access
The grant will be matched with $500,000 in local funds. read more >
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