The Arkansas State Broadband Office released Monday (Aug. 25) the state’s final proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, officially opening the plan for public review and comment.

This proposal aims to achieve universal broadband coverage for every home and business in the state to have access to reliable, high-speed internet.

Funding for BEAD comes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), a law signed in 2021 that established a $42.45 billion federal grant program to expand high-speed internet access across the United States. None of Arkansas’ Congressional delegation voted for the package.

“The BEAD Program is about more than faster internet—it’s about opportunity,” said Gov. Sarah 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.”

The $1 billion BEAD Program represents the largest public broadband investment in Arkansas history.

Interest in the program was strong, with the Arkansas State Broadband Office receiving 730 applications by 33 internet service providers (ISPs), and 23 providers selected for preliminary awards.

This highly competitive process is expected to secure coverage for more than 79,000 homes and businesses, while delivering results at one of the lowest average costs in the country, $3,891 per location.

“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 reflects adjustments required by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice. With those refinements, Arkansas’ total BEAD Grant Outlay stands at $308.3 million, a $275 million reduction from prior estimates, further demonstrating the state’s responsible management of taxpayer dollars.

Once implemented, the program will provide Arkansans with a range of technologies: 76% of locations will be connected with fiber, 16% with low-Earth-orbit satellite service, 7% with licensed fixed wireless, and 1% with hybrid technologies.

The final proposal is open for public comment through Friday, Aug. 29. Arkansans are encouraged to review the plan and share feedback before it is submitted to NTIA by Sept. 4.

Pending NTIA approval by Dec. 4 and final authorization by the Arkansas General Assembly, construction is expected to begin in the first half of 2026.

For more information about the Arkansas State Broadband Office, visit Broadband.Arkansas.gov.

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