Arkansas State Broadband Office in final steps of BEAD program

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas State Broadband Office says they’re in one of the final steps of the BEAD program, Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment. The state is releasing its final proposal for public comment. 

Communities across Arkansas without broadband could soon be on their way to high-speed internet.

It’s through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, or BEAD. The state has submitted its final proposal for the plan. Paul Wilson says this is great for a community like Keo, where some homes and businesses are set to receive broadband through the BEAD program. 

“Of course, in the country you realize you’re having the peace and quiet of the country, you give up some advantages, but we would love to have it,” Wilson said.

Funding for BEAD comes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. It created a $42 billion federal grant program. Arkansas is receiving $1 billion.

Glen Howie is the director of the state broadband office. 

 “All 79,000 locations across the state are subject to a grant award. This would get us on track to 100% connectivity in Arkansas,” Howie said.

Howie says the state has provisionally awarded 23 internet service providers. The project is in the final stages since it started in 2021. He says people deserve to be connected — yesterday.

“Having high-speed internet connectivity, it changes people’s lives. We’re very excited and proud to get that out to the last 70,000 locations,” Howie said.

There is a public comment period and a few more steps before construction is expected to begin.

“We are always ready for progress,” Wilson said.

The final proposal also has adjustments required by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice. The total BEAD Grant Outlay stands at $308.3 million, a $275 million reduction from previous estimates. 

After final approval, they hope to start construction in the first half of 2026.