The Arkansas State Broadband Office

Let's do another #FlashbackFriday this is us connecting ourselves to better connect you! Take a look at some photos from our retreat back in October.

On Wednesday, November 6th, a few team members joined Director Glen E. Howie, MPA to help unveil the new Lift Zone at the Billy Mitchell Boys and Girls Club, a impactful contribution from Comcast. Students who are members of the club?got new laptops, and they were asked to express what having internet access and a proper device means to them. It's amazing to see how this opportunity will help open up new doors for them in terms of learning, creativity, and connection #NaturallyConnected #ARConnect #ARCommerce #ARPX #arleg #TopTenState #LeaderInTheSouth #Broadband #DigitalOpportunity

Check out the links below for more information about "Build America, By America": https://lnkd.in/gMysvbca https://lnkd.in/gdk8tyvJ #NaturallyConnected #ARConnect #ARCommerce #ARPX #arleg #TopTenState #LeaderInTheSouth #Broadband #DigitalOpportunity

Last Friday November 15th, the Arkansas State Broadband Office announced the opening of Tranche 1 will be on Tuesday January 7th. What does this mean? It means the bidding process will start soon for BEAD participating internet service providers. Making the state one step closer to having better and faster internet statewide! #NaturallyConnected #ARConnect #ARCommerce #ARPX #arleg #TopTenState #LeaderInTheSouth #Broadband #DigitalOpportunity

Here's the link to the press release! https://zurl.co/45tq #NaturallyConnected #ARConnect #ARCommerce #ARPX #arleg #TopTenState #LeaderInTheSouth #Broadband #DigitalOpportunity

Last Friday, October 11th, some of the ARConnect team went to Des Arc, Arkansas for a ribbon cutting to advocate for the launch of a new 10-county network by Resound. The office tries to show up in support when they can! Come and check us out! #NaturallyConnected #ARConnect #ARCommerce #ARPX #arleg #TopTenState #LeaderInTheSouth #Broadband #DigitalOpportunity

#FlashbackFriday! Last week, ARConnect had the privilege of attending the DigitalLearn Telehealth Training hosted by Heartland Forward. It was incredible to witness a national best practice being launch right here in Arkansas. We're excited for what's to come and the future of digital opportunities in our state! #NaturallyConnected #ARConnect #TopTenState #DigitalOpportunity #Telehealth #HeartlandForward

We wanted to give you sneak peek into the future with our non-deployment initiatives! #NaturallyConnected #ARConnect #ARCommerce #ARPX #arleg #TopTenState #LeaderInTheSouth #Broadband #DigitalOpportunity

Digital Inclusion Week (DIW) is an annual week of awareness, recognition and celebration. DIW is organized by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) and its 1,800+ affiliates nationwide. DIW raises awareness and promotes action for digital equity solutions. Communities all across the country will highlight their efforts online and in person. This year’s theme, “Stronger Together: Mobilizing Towards Sustainability,” highlights the power of collaboration in ensuring the longevity of the digital equity movement. By fostering a robust digital inclusion ecosystem that connects digital inclusion initiatives across our communities, we can sustain our movement towards long-term digital inclusion solutions. Visit https://zurl.co/vprQ for information.

“Increasing the availability of affordable and accessible broadband to all corners of the state, including rural and underserved communities, is crucial for growing economic opportunities for Arkansans,” said Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald. “Broadband is a modern necessity, and expanded access will enable innovative Arkansans to grow businesses, launch new ventures, and build wealth and jobs right here in the Natural State.” Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eP4pzfGZ