Little Rock, Arkansas – The Arkansas State Broadband Office has officially released the state’s final proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, marking a critical step toward delivering high-speed internet to every household and business across the state. The proposal is now open for public review and comment, giving Arkansans the opportunity to weigh in before it is submitted for federal approval.
“The BEAD Program is about more than faster internet—it’s about opportunity,” said Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “By connecting every community with high-speed access, we’re giving students the tools to succeed, entrepreneurs the ability to grow their businesses, and families access to better healthcare close to home. Arkansas is showing the nation how smart, efficient investment can strengthen communities, expand upward mobility, and drive lasting economic growth.”
Largest Broadband Investment in Arkansas History
With $1 billion allocated, the BEAD Program represents the largest public broadband investment in Arkansas history. Interest in the program was strong, with 730 applications submitted by 33 internet service providers (ISPs). After a competitive selection process, 23 providers were chosen for preliminary awards, securing coverage for more than 79,000 homes and businesses.
Arkansas also achieved one of the lowest average costs in the nation at $3,891 per location, underscoring both the competitiveness of the state’s broadband market and its ability to manage funds effectively.
According to Glen Howie, Director of the Arkansas State Broadband Office, the state’s approach ensured that nearly all eligible households were included in the bidding process. “During the initial application process, 99.9% of all eligible locations in the State received at least one bid, and 99% received bids from two or more internet service providers,” Howie said. “Following negotiations for the remaining 0.1% of locations, Arkansas has achieved coverage for every single location. This incredible outcome demonstrates the strength of our market-driven approach and the commitment of providers to serving Arkansans.”
Responsible Management of Taxpayer Dollars
The proposal also includes changes required by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice. These adjustments reduced Arkansas’ total BEAD Grant Outlay to $308.3 million, a decrease of nearly $275 million from earlier estimates. State officials highlighted this reduction as a demonstration of responsible fiscal management while still ensuring full coverage.
Once the program is implemented, a variety of technologies will be used to connect Arkansans:
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76% with fiber
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16% with low-Earth-orbit satellite
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7% with licensed fixed wireless
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1% with hybrid systems
Public Comment and Next Steps
The final BEAD proposal is available for review on the Arkansas BEAD webpage, where Arkansans can access supporting documents, an online visualization dashboard, and a public comment form. Public input will be accepted through Friday, August 29, before the plan is submitted to the NTIA by September 4.
Pending NTIA approval by December 4 and final authorization by the Arkansas General Assembly, construction is anticipated to begin in the first half of 2026.
For more information, residents can visit Broadband.Arkansas.gov.
This initiative, once complete, will close the digital divide in Arkansas, providing every resident with the tools to learn, work, and thrive in a connected world.
