LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Biden-Harris administration announced that Arkansas will be receiving $10,161,429.01 to help improve access to high-speed internet across the state.
The funding comes from the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) as part of the "Internet for All" initiative.
"President Biden is committed to ensuring everyone in Arkansas and across America has access to affordable, reliable high-speed Internet service," said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. "Commerce’s work building high-speed Internet infrastructure is only part of the equation. Families in Arkansas need the tools and skills required to make the most of that Internet connection, and that’s the $10.1 million opportunity we’re announcing today. President Biden’s digital equity initiative will make the promise of the Internet come alive for everyone in Arkansas, no matter where they live or what their background is."
Arkansas will use this funding to begin implementing digital equity plans to ensure that every Arkansan has access to digital resources and technology regardless of their location or income.
The state’s funding was calculated based on a formula defined in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and specified in the Notice of Funding Opportunity that takes into account the relative population of the state (50%), the relative size of the covered populations residing in the state (25%), and the comparative lack of availability and adoption of broadband (25%).