Arkansas approved by Commerce Department to distribute grants to expand broadband

KUAR | By Ronak Patel

Arkansas has been approved by the U.S Department of Commerce to distribute the federal funding it was awarded to expand broadband access. In an interview with Arkansas PBS, Glen Howie, the state director for broadband, said he anticipates the grants will be disbursed to local entities.

“You look at the types of providers we anticipate applying in this program and winning grant awards you’re going to have a mix. We expect a very big from small providers to midsize to large to the electric cooperative subsidiaries that have been very active in broadband in Arkansas,” Howie said.

Last month, the Arkansas Electric Cooperative announced cooperative fiber providers have delivered broadband capability to more than one million Arkansans, according to Talk Business & Politics.

Arkansas approved by Commerce Department to distribute grants to expand broadband

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Arkansas ‘Internet for All’ plan approved by feds

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved the second volume of Arkansas’ initial proposal for the BEAD [Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment] program, according to a release from the Biden Administration and Gov. Sarah Sanders.

The approval enables Arkansas to request more than $1 billion in funding and begin implementation of the state’s BEAD proposal. Volume 2 of the BEAD initial proposal details the state of Arkansas’ plans for operating its broadband infrastructure grant program, requirements for potential applicants, and nondeployment priorities. The Volume 2 document addresses 16 requirements related to the BEAD program, including program objectives, planning processes, local coordination, and workforce readiness.

“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 Gov. Sanders.

Arkansas ‘Internet for All’ plan approved by feds

State's broadband director provides update on state's efforts to expand broadband

KUAR | By Ronak Patel

In a recent report ranking the broadband connectivity of the states, Arkansas ranked 49th. In an interview with Arkansas PBS, Glen Howie, the state’s broadband director, said the report does not reflect the progress the state has made.

“When you look at the remaining locations of 115,000 homes and businesses across the state that lack quality internet, you compare that to our geographic neighbors in the region and we’re ahead of them,” he said.

Howie said the state’s proactive approach to improving broadband access will help the state move forward. He said the state has already provided $550 million to communities to improve their internet. According to the Arkansas Department of Commerce, Arkansas is expected to receive about $1 billion in federal funding for broadband from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which was passed by Congress in 2021.

State's broadband director provides update on state's efforts to expand broadband

Glen Howie Twitter Page

Glen Howie is responsible for helping the state expand broadband. He has been in the position of the state's broadband director since 2022.

Arkansas State Broadband Office starting months-long mapping challenge

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

The Arkansas State Broadband Office will launch its Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) mapping challenge process on Wednesday, March 20.

The months-long process will enable stakeholders in Arkansas to challenge the accuracy of the Federal Communications Commission’s National Broadband Map and the levels of internet service reported at homes and businesses throughout the state. Stakeholders will be able to challenge data provided by the map but must submit evidence of the inaccuracies.

Eligible challengers in this process include units of local government, nonprofit organizations, and internet service providers, under federal BEAD program regulations.

Arkansas State Broadband Office starting months-long mapping challenge

Arkansas to begin identifying areas lacking broadband internet access

KUAR | By Daniel Breen

Federal officials are asking for Arkansas residents’ help identifying which parts of the state still lack access to high-speed internet.

Arkansas is receiving more than $1 billion from the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment, or BEAD, program, administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

Evan Feinman, director of the BEAD program, says the state first needs to identify which areas are currently lacking access.

“Every single home and business is on a map the [Federal Communications Commission] publishes. And the FCC’s map shows whether those homes and businesses have broadband service, or don’t. The problem is, that map’s not always accurate,” he said. “What we’re doing… is offering folks the opportunity to challenge that map and make sure their home or business is properly categorized.”

Arkansas to begin identifying areas lacking broadband internet access

Ted S. Warren/AP

Carl Roath, left, a worker with the Mason County (Wash.) Public Utility District, pulls fiber optic cable off of a spool, as he works with a team to install broadband internet service to homes in a rural area surrounding Lake Christine near Belfair, Wash., on Aug. 4, 2021.

Department of Commerce awards $53 million for high-speed broadband funds

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

The Arkansas Department of Commerce announced Wednesday (Feb. 22) that more than $53 million will be awarded to 10 internet service providers in Arkansas to extend high-speed internet in eight underserved counties throughout the state.

This award completes the sixth award phase of the Arkansas Rural Connect broadband infrastructure grant program which is designed to expand the broadband footprint in rural Arkansas communities.

The $53 million investment, combined with $18.8 million in provider matching funds, will result in nearly 5,800 homes and businesses being connected to fast, reliable internet in Ashley, Baxter, Chicot, Clark, Columbia, Hot Spring, Logan, and Lonoke counties.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/02/department-of-commerce-awards-53-million-for-high-speed-broadband-funds/

New Arkansas Broadband director studying state ‘Affordability Trust Fund’

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

The state’s new broadband director, Glen Howie, has been on the job for a little over a month and he’s already gauging where Arkansas can excel even further with Internet connectivity. Howie, who comes to Arkansas from Louisiana, says the state has a “great story to tell.”

“Since 2020, the [broadband] office has awarded $392 million in grants, which is fantastic. That’s actually a number that would lead a lot of states and lead the nation in the amount that we’ve given out. But moving forward, we have to do more than that,” he said.

“When I’m on the road and I’m talking with folks and, I’ve said this from the very beginning, we can make Arkansas the most wired state in the country with fiber running to every single home and business across the state. But if our Arkansans can’t afford it, that’s a problem. Likewise, we can run the fiber, we can make it free, but if Arkansans don’t possess the digital literacy skills that they need to properly use the internet and computer and devices, or simply don’t understand the value that it can create for their lives and truly impact them, we need to work on that as well.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/09/new-arkansas-broadband-director-studying-state-affordability-trust-fund/

State to use $3.3 million to train broadband, telecom industry workforce

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

The Office of Skills Development (OSD) is investing $3.3 million to train new broadband and telecommunication industry workers in an effort to close the gap in the state’s digital infrastructure.

The Fiber Broadband and Telecommunications Working Group – a partnership of industry leaders, state government, and educators – has identified areas where workforce training can produce strategic results.

“The past several months have shown us that reliable high-speed internet is no longer a luxury, it is a necessary way of life,” said Gov. Asa Hutchinson. “As a rural state, it is even more imperative that Arkansans have the same opportunities as citizens in urban areas. Now that we are making strides to bring broadband to every corner of the state, we need workers to build and implement the infrastructure. Today, we not only celebrate the progress we are making to ensure all Arkansans have access to broadband for school, work, and leisure, but we celebrate the creation of high-tech jobs in a growing sector.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/08/state-to-use-3-3-million-to-train-broadband-telecom-industry-workforce/

Glen Howie named new Arkansas broadband director

KUAR | By Ronak Patel, Josie Lenora

A new broadband director has been named for Arkansas. Glen Howie who comes from the Louisiana Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity and will lead the state’s broadband expansion.

“Like railways two centuries ago and electricity 100 years ago, broadband internet access today has become a critical piece of infrastructure, igniting economic growth, improving health outcomes, enhancing agricultural output, and advancing the educational experience of our children,” Howie said in a press release. “It is an honor and privilege to be entrusted to build upon the prior success of the state broadband office and lead the team charged with providing a transformational opportunity to all Arkansans."

As a senior policy analyst for the Louisiana Broadband Office Development and Connectivity, Howie was responsible for developing regulations for that state’s $177 million infrastructure grant program. Louisiana was one of the first four states in the country to have its plans approved by the U.S Treasury Department.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-07-11/glen-howie-named-new-arkansas-broadband-director

Glen Howie Twitter Page

Glen Howie will be responsible for helping Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston expand broadband access in the state.

New coalition launches to help close Arkansas’ digital divide

by Paul Gatling (pgatling@nwabj.com)

Bentonville nonprofit Heartland Forward has organized a coalition of more than a dozen Arkansas organizations whose goal is to help expand internet access in the state.

According to a Thursday (July 14) news release, the Arkansas Connectivity Coalition includes the Arkansas Black Mayors Association, Arkansas Community Foundation, Arkansas Electric Cooperatives Inc., Arkansas Farm Bureau, Arkansas Impact Philanthropy, Communities Unlimited, Diamond State Networks, Forward Arkansas, Holman Strategies, Runway Group, University of Arkansas-Department of Communication, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Research and Extension, Winrock International and Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation.

Collectively, their goal is to help support local efforts and secure federal funding to expand access and ensure high-speed internet is more accessible and affordable across the state.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/07/new-coalition-launches-to-help-close-arkansas-digital-divide/

Broadband CEO: Arkansas far ahead of other states with expansion investments

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Alan Morse, CEO of Jonesboro-based Ritter Communications, a regional telecom and broadband provider, said Arkansas is well ahead of surrounding states when it comes to investing in high-speed Internet fiber expansion.

Ritter has operations in over 100 communities across a four-state footprint, including Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas. Morse said The Natural State has been smart in investing federal money into broadband deployment across rural Arkansas since the COVID-19 pandemic first brought a tranche of funding to the state.

“I give kudos to Governor Hutchinson and his team, and also the Arkansas legislature for the speed with which they jumped on the availability of those funds and got them deployed. Arkansas was really one of the first states in the country to make use of the CARES Act funds that came out in 2020, and then subsequently the funds that came out in 2021.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/06/broadband-ceo-arkansas-far-ahead-of-other-states-with-expansion-investments/

Broadband Development Group report shows subsidies needed for broadband expansion

KUAR | By Daniel Breen, Ronak Patel

State officials are looking at the best ways to provide high-speed internet access to all Arkansans. The 2022 Arkansas Rural Broadband Forum was held in Benton on Monday.

Participants at the forum mainly discussed the results of a report released last month that looks at ways to bridge the broadband internet gap. According to the report by Broadband Development Group (BDG), a firm hired by the state to help develop a plan for broadband expansion, about 110,000 homes aren’t receiving aid from the federal government to help pay for broadband.

BDG’s report found the cost to expand broadband to the 110,000 houses could cost up to $550 million. Tom Flak, a consultant with BDG, says the report looks at two ways to provide subsidies to internet service providers to bring service to areas that normally wouldn’t be profitable. One would involve the state matching 75% of their costs, while the other would involve the state ensuring the provider would make a 15% return on their investment or IRR.

Broadband Development Group/

Arkansas hired Broadband Development Group to provide a master plan on broadband inequality in the state.

Arkansas lawmakers approve Director of Broadband position for Commerce Department

KUAR | By Ronak Patel

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

Michael Hibblen/KUAR News

Arkansas will receive $100 million from the federal government to expand broadband internet.

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

From online homework assignments to scheduling telehealth visits, we live in a digital world where high-speed access is no longer a luxury. Unfortunately, too many households across Arkansas are still unable to access high-quality broadband internet.

According to a report released this week, Arkansas currently has 110,000 households that are underserved when it comes to broadband access.

Underserved households are those with less than 100+ Mbps access.

In October of last year, the Arkansas Legislative Council approved a contract with the Broadband Development Group to create a master plan for broadband development. The group released its report this week.

The group hosted or attended more than 300 community meetings in all 75 counties and received more than 18,000 surveys from residents in every county across the state. Several Arkansas legislators participated in these meetings to ensure a variety of voices were heard during the community fact-finding portion of our research. They also consulted with nearly 30 broadband providers to learn more about their perspectives.

The report not only assesses current broadband availability, but also maps out where the broadband gap exists in the state, calculates the budget needed to bridge the gap, and makes recommendations for improvements to the Arkansas Rural Connect grant program.

The report found that significant progress has already been made by utilizing state and federal programs in recent years to create coverage for about 100,000 households.

The remaining 110,000 households are not currently addressed by any identified programs at any level. It estimates the cost of covering these households at about $500 million. The report recommends using funds through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) grants to close the current gaps.

The General Assembly is currently reviewing the recommendations. You can find the full report at www.arkansashouse.org .

Governor Hutchinson Releases State Broadband Report Findings and Recommendations

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson today released key findings and recommendations of an anticipated state broadband report from consultant, Broadband Development Group (BDG). BDG, hired in October of last year, conducted a six-month, state-wide study to develop a comprehensive master plan for addressing the digital divide and inequitable availability of broadband service across Arkansas. According to its findings, Arkansas currently has 210,000 underserved households. 100,000 of these households are covered by a grant under the federal Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF). Because of the federal rules associated with this grant, the state cannot fund grants to these areas. But Arkansas can address the gap in service of the remaining 110,000 households.

“I’m pleased to see the state broadband report and recommendations from Broadband Development Group,” said Governor Hutchinson. “We’ve already made significant progress with an aggressive approach to getting broadband deployed to rural areas of Arkansas. I’m appreciative of the thorough report and recommendations of BDG, and I am particularly grateful for the partnership with the Arkansas General Assembly in getting ahead of the curve with an early start to deploying rural broadband. I look forward to expedited progress as we put into operation the recommendations and continue our partnership.”

The state anticipates future funding for broadband through the Coronavirus Capital Project Fund, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and a second installment of Arkansas Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds this summer. The State Broadband office, created by Governor Hutchinson in July 2019, has awarded $386 million in grants through the Arkansas Rural Connect grant program.

“The broadband report recognizes the significant work we’ve done, and groundwork laid with the Arkansas Rural Connect grant program established by Governor Hutchinson in 2019,” said Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston. “We now have a roadmap and a detailed plan to fill the remaining gaps of the underserved areas of our state. We look forward to continuing to partner with Internet Service Providers (ISP’s), electric cooperatives, the legislature, and other key stakeholders, taking recommendations from this plan and updating the broadband rules.”

BDG was hired to perform a state-wide study to determine the true state of broadband coverage in  Arkansas and finding the most efficient way to fund deployment to those remaining underserved. They hosted a series of more than 300 community meetings in all 75 counties and received more than 18,000 surveys from residents across the state. The report addresses the key deliverables required by the contract: assessing available broadband assets in the state; mapping out where the broadband gap exists in the state; calculating the budget needed to bridge the gap; and recommending improvements to the ARC grant program.

“This broadband initiative should make the constituents of Arkansas extremely proud in how their government has operated together,” said Senator Jimmy Hickey. “The Legislative Branch and the Executive Branch have worked together to provide an efficient avenue to provide service across a broad area of the entire state of Arkansas.”

“Now is a critical time for our state to close the digital divide,” said Representative Matthew Shepherd, Speaker of the House. “The legislature invested in this report to develop a strategic plan moving forward. We want to see Arkansans not only connected but operating at speeds necessary for work and education in years to come.”

The Arkansas Department of Commerce plans to convene stakeholders next month to discuss the report and seek community feedback. The full report and executive summary can be found here.

Arkansas consultant says quantitative and qualitative data important to broadband expansion

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Lou McAlister, CEO of Little Rock-based Broadband Development Group, has been tasked by the Arkansas Legislature to help create a master plan for expanding broadband Internet across the state.

Already, hundreds of millions of dollars from federal and state pandemic relief and infrastructure investment funds have been awarded to fiber companies to jump-start hundreds of broadband deployment projects, particularly in rural Arkansas.

McAlister is compiling a variety of data from the U.S. Census and current Internet providers to create a map that shows where broadband exists in certain communities. He estimates that about 90% of the Census and current broadband providers’ data is input and accurate, while the remaining 10% may require physically surveying areas of Arkansas.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/12/arkansas-consultant-says-quantitative-and-qualitative-data-important-to-broadband-expansion/

Report: Windstream and Uniti in talks to be acquired

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

Privately held Zayo Group is in talks to acquire Little Rock-based Windstream and Uniti, a former Windstream company, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal. The deal could impact employment in central Arkansas and broadband rollout in the state in a positive way.

According to the Wall Street Journal article, Zayo’s owners and Windstream “believe bringing the two businesses back together would accelerate the build-out of broadband to as many as a million more households by redirecting the nearly $700 million Windstream spends each year on lease payments.”

Tony Thomas, Windstream CEO, tells Talk Business & Politics he can’t comment on the Wall Street Journal article or any potential negotiations, but he did say that “any transaction that helps us accelerate broadband buildout would be a very positive outcome for our customers.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/10/report-windstream-and-uniti-in-talks-to-be-acquired/

Steering Committee Approves $150 Million For Further Broadband Expansion

By SARAH KELLOGG

The state committee in charge of allocating federal funding from the American Rescue Plan approved $150 million to go towards broadband efforts, with an additional $150 million to possibly be approved in a later meeting.

The Arkansas American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Steering Committee met for the second time on Wednesday and spent over an hour discussing the $300 million request from the state’s Department of Commerce to go towards broadband expansion.

In speaking on the request, Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston recalled the millions of federal dollars previously spent on broadband as a part of the CARES Act.

"$120 million is what was utilized from the CARES funding. Those funds were deployed in less than a year’s time and that brought access to 130,000 Arkansans who did not have broadband before," Preston said. "So, 130,000 people in our state who previously did not have access now have access to broadband because of the work that the CARES Steering Committee did and through the Office of Broadband and the Department of Commerce were able to do that."

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/steering-committee-approves-150-million-further-broadband-expansion

In this file photo, the Arkansas American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Steering Committee meets for the first time.

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