The Arkansas State Broadband Office has release new broadband maps for the state. In addition, the office has launched a Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) mapping challenge process which will be challenged for inaccuracies in advance of the states awarding of additional broadband infrastructure grants.
This process will enable stakeholders in Arkansas to challenge the state’s broadband map and the levels of internet service reported at homes and businesses throughout the state. According to the state broadband director Glen Howie, this is the first time in the state’s history a resident can go to the state broadband map and find out their broadband story for their individual location.
Arkansas ranks 49th in the nation, including Washington D.C. in terms of internet access according to a report from broadbandnow.com. Roughly one in ten Arkansas residents are not able to purchase a broadband internet plan and nearly six in ten residents are not able to purchase a plan costing $60 or less.
Locations in green show where there is funding for broadband; those in red show unserved; and those in blue show underserved; and those in grey show served. According to the map, Baxter County is largely either served or funded
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The months-long BEAD mapping challenge process is meant to help ensure no one is left out in the state’s ongoing efforts to expand residents’ ability to get quality internet.
Starting Wednesday, challenges will be accepted for 30 days. Those eligible to challenge the map include local governments, nonprofits and internet service providers, however, they must submit evidence of the inaccuracies. People who don’t fall into those categories but wish to suggest a correction should visit the Internet Performance Data Collection Tool.
Additional key dates include April 19 where challenge rebuttals will be accepted for 30 days; May 19 when challenge adjudication begins; and June 17 when the process concludes.
Residents can access the new broadband map and challenge portal system by visiting broadband.arkansas.gov. The site also offers a user guide and additional resources, including a new speed test application. Anyone with questions can email the State Broadband Office at broadband@arkansas.gov.
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