Public input needed for broadband plan

The Arkansas State Broadband Office wants your feedback.

ARConnect is drafting a Digital Skills and Opportunity Plan, which was developed from data of survey responses, focus groups and in-person visits to all 75 Arkansas counties.

The plan’s aim is to create an action plan to equip all Arkansans with skills needed to succeed in the 21st century digital economy.

Review the plan by clicking here.

Public comments on the plan will be accepted through Thursday, Jan. 25.

Give feedback by using the public comment form. CLICK HERE for that form. 

“It is important that as many Arkansans as possible provide feedback on this draft plan, said Glen Howie, the state’s broadband director. “Every voice matters to ensure the state’s plan is effective and accounts for the unique challenges that different segments of the state population face.”

Arkansas was the recipient of more than $840,000 in funding to address its digital skills gap as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed by Congress in 2021. This funding is in addition to a $5 million investment to create a five-year action plan for Internet access. ARConnect oversees all activities related to the development of both plans.

The final Digital Skills and Opportunity Plan is slated for submission to the federal government later this month and anticipates guidance from the National Telecommunication and Information Administration on $1.44 billion in capacity grants and an additional $1.25 billion in competitive grants for states later this year.

The Arkansas State Broadband Office, housed within the Arkansas Department of Commerce, was created in 2019 to coordinate the state’s broadband-related activities.