LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Biden-Harris Administration announced Arkansas will receive $10,161,429.01 to help improve access to high-speed internet across the state.
The funding comes from the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) as part of the “Internet for All” initiative.
“President Biden is committed to ensuring that everyone in Arkansas and across the country has access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet service,” said U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. “The Department of Commerce’s commitment to building high-speed internet infrastructure Jobs are just part of the equation. Arkansas families need the tools and skills they need to take full advantage of their internet connectivity, and that’s the $10.1 million opportunity we’re announcing today. President Biden’s Digital Equity Initiative will bring internet to everyone in Arkansas commitment, no matter where they live or what their background is.”
Arkansas will use this funding to begin implementing digital equity initiatives to ensure that every Arkansan has access to digital resources and technology regardless of their location or income.
State funding is calculated based on a formula defined in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act and set forth in the Notice of Funding Opportunity, taking into account the relative population of the state (50%), the coverage population residing in the state relative size (25%), and relative lack of availability and adoption of broadband (25%).