Left to right: Kimberly Young, analyst with ARConnect, Ashley McBride, state director of AARP Arkansas, and Glen Howie, state broadband director for Arkansas, visit at the AARP Arkansas state office in February. (Photo courtesy of AARP Arkansas)
AARP Arkansas has announced a new partnership with the state’s broadband office, ARConnect, to bridge the digital divide. AARP Arkansas Director Ashley McBride says Arkansas broadband director Glen Howie recently extended an invitation for the organization to serve on the state’s Digital Equity and Planning Advisory Committee.
AARP has made broadband a key issue during the state’s 94th General Assembly. Organization officials state they support legislation and efforts to expand digital equity via accessible and affordable high-speed internet across the state, especially in rural and underserved areas. McBride says survey data from AARP’s Older Adults Technology Services confirms over 21 million United States residents ages 65-and-older lack residential broadband access. The survey also shows seniors in rural areas are 1.6 times more likely to have deficient broadband access.
McBride says, “This partnership will ensure that the state’s broadband plan addresses the needs of the 50-plus population. We look forward to contributing our unique perspective and recognize the impact this plan will have on all Arkansans in subsequent years.”
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