Little Rock, Arkansas – The Arkansas State Broadband Office has officially unveiled the state’s final proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, opening the plan for public comment and reinforcing Arkansas’ path toward universal broadband access. The announcement marks a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to ensure that every home and business in Arkansas can connect to reliable, high-speed internet.
“The BEAD Program is about more than faster internet—it’s about opportunity,” said Governor 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.”
With a $1 billion investment, the BEAD Program represents the largest public broadband initiative in Arkansas’ history. The interest in participating in the program was substantial, with the state receiving 730 applications from 33 internet service providers (ISPs). After a competitive selection process, 23 providers were awarded preliminary contracts. These efforts secured coverage for over 79,000 homes and businesses, achieving results at an average cost of $3,891 per location—one of the most cost-efficient outcomes in the country. The program’s careful management highlights Arkansas’ ability to balance rapid deployment with fiscal responsibility.
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“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,” said Glen Howie, Director of the Arkansas State Broadband Office. “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.”
The final proposal also incorporates adjustments required by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice. With these refinements, Arkansas’ total BEAD Grant Outlay stands at $308.3 million, a reduction of $275 million from earlier estimates. The decrease reflects the state’s prudent management of taxpayer funds while maintaining the goal of universal coverage.
Once implemented, the program will deliver broadband through a variety of technologies to ensure that all communities are connected. According to the proposal, 76% of locations will receive fiber connectivity, 16% will be served by low-Earth-orbit satellite services, 7% will rely on licensed fixed wireless, and 1% will utilize hybrid technologies. The mix of solutions reflects a flexible, technology-neutral approach designed to reach the most remote and challenging locations.
The final proposal is now open for public review and comment through Friday, August 29. Arkansans are encouraged to examine the plan and submit feedback before the package is submitted to the NTIA by September 4. Supporting materials, including an online visualization dashboard and a public comment form, are accessible via the Arkansas BEAD Webpage. The state emphasizes that public input is an essential part of refining the proposal and ensuring the program addresses the needs of all residents.
Pending NTIA approval by December 4 and final authorization by the Arkansas General Assembly, construction of the broadband network is expected to begin in the first half of 2026. Once completed, Arkansas will become one of the first states in the nation to achieve full broadband coverage, providing students, businesses, and families with the tools needed to thrive in a digital economy.
For students, the initiative means expanded access to online learning resources, virtual classrooms, and digital research tools. For entrepreneurs and small businesses, it opens doors to e-commerce opportunities, cloud-based solutions, and remote workforce management. For families, it ensures better access to telehealth services, remote work options, and other vital online services that have become essential in the modern age.
“The Arkansas BEAD Program demonstrates how strategic investment can transform communities,” said Governor Sanders. “From rural towns to urban centers, every Arkansan will benefit from reliable high-speed connectivity that empowers education, business, and healthcare. This is a model for other states to follow, showing how public investment, competitive markets, and careful planning can deliver universal access efficiently and effectively.”
For more information about the Arkansas State Broadband Office, supporting documents, and opportunities to submit public feedback, residents can visit Broadband.Arkansas.gov.
