Arkansas Broadband Map Released, Challenge Period Open

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.

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.

The full release posted by KTLO can be seen here.

(Edited from original story by KTLO)