The Arkansas State Broadband Office is encouraging all Arkansans to provide feedback on the Digital Skills and Opportunity plan. That plan was developed from survey data responses, focus groups, and in-person visits to all 75 Arkansas Counties.
Glen Howie directs the Arkansas State Broadband Office. He recently told KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot News the plan goes beyond internet infrastructure by seeking to equip all Arkansans with the skills needed to succeed in the 21st century digital economy. The success of that plan, he stresses, relies on public feedback.
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Officials recognize that bringing highspeed broadband to all corners of Arkansas will have the greatest impact if residents have both the knowledge to use, and the ability to afford, reliable internet service.
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Arkansans can comment on the Digital Skills and Opportunity plan through this Thursday by visiting www.broadband.arkansas.gov. Soon, Arkansans will also be asked to verify – and challenge – the level of reliable internet access in their homes and areas. This, said Howie, will be a novel and crucial aspect of his office’s plan to bring Arkansas into the 21st century digital economy.
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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.
From education to commerce to telemedicine and many other sectors, reliable and highspeed internet is expected to be a deciding factor in society. The Arkansas State Broadband Office hopes to make the state a leader in how to effectively deliver that to those who need it most.
For more information on the Digital Skills and Opportunity plan, and the broader work of the Arkansas State Broadband Office, visit www.broadband.arkansas.gov.
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