Arkansas lawmakers have approved a new position to oversee the expansion of high-speed internet service in the state.

A report from consultant Broadband Development Group found 110,000 homes in the state are in need of faster internet connectivity, and are located in areas not covered by any state or federal broadband grant programs.

According to a report from the legislature's Uniform Personnel Classification and Compensation Subcommittee, the Arkansas Department of Commerce had requested up to $200,000 to hire a director of the State Broadband Office. In a meeting of the subcommittee on Friday, lawmakers approved between $149,862 and $181,500 for the position.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-05-20/arkansas-lawmakers-approve-director-of-broadband-position-for-department-of-commerce