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/

AT&T has invested $675 million on expanded Internet service in Arkansas

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

AT&T has invested about $675 million during the last three years to improve Internet access in Arkansas and it plans to spend another $2 billion in the Natural State and other metro areas in the coming years, the company reported Wednesday (June 16).

From 2018-2020, coverage was broadened and connectivity was improved in more communities by investing in wireline and wireless networks. Those improved connections include fiber, 5G and FirstNet, the company said.

In 2021, AT&T plans to increase its fiber footprint by 3 million customer locations across more than 90 metro areas that it currently serves, including in Arkansas. AT&T will invest $2 billion over the next 3 years to help address the digital divide nationwide.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/06/att-has-invested-675-million-on-expanded-internet-service-in-arkansas/