LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas's initial proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program has been approved by the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
The BEAD program is a $42.45 billion federal grant program authorized by the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law as part of their “Internet for All” initiative.
This approval will allow the Natural State to request more than $1 billion in funding and officially launch the BEAD program.
“Reliable internet coverage is becoming a necessity for Arkansans’ jobs, schools, and businesses, and closing the internet service gap is a major priority for my administration, and today’s announcement is a big step forward in our plans to address the issue,” said Governor Sanders.
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.
“In the 21st century, a reliable Internet connection is a necessity that enables access to jobs, health care, and education. Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Department of Commerce is committed to ensuring that everyone in Arkansas and across the country has access to quality, affordable high- speed Internet,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Congratulations to the team in Arkansas. We look forward to working with you to ensure that everyone in the state is connected.”
For more information about how to participate in this process, please contact the Arkansas State Broadband Office via email at broadband@arkansas.gov.
