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The revised BEAD plan from Arkansas proposes an investment representing less than a third of the state’s $1 billion allocation.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Edited by Brad Randall, Broadband Communities
Arkansas has unveiled its draft final proposal for distributing federal broadband funding through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, according to the governor’s website.
In total, the plan proposes a total investment of $308.3 million, less than a third of Arkansas’s $1 billion allocation.
The plan aims to connect all 79,272 unserved and underserved locations in the state, a summary of the plan on the governor’s webpage reported.
“The final proposal also reflects adjustments required by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice,” the Aug. 25 release stated. “With those refinements, Arkansas’ total BEAD Grant Outlay stands at $308.3 million, a $275 million reduction from prior estimates, further demonstrating the state’s responsible management of taxpayer dollars.”
‘Smart, efficient investment’
The average subsidy per location in the plan is set at $3,889, “highlighting Arkansas’ efficiency and competitiveness in the broadband market,” according to the announcement.
“Arkansas is showing the nation how smart, efficient investment can strengthen communities, expand upward mobility, and drive lasting economic growth.” -Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders
The proposal highlights a strong emphasis on fiber, slated to cover 76% of targeted locations.
In addition, low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite services would cover 16%, and licensed fixed wireless would reach 7%, with hybrid technologies accounting for the remaining 1%.
Glen Howie, director of the state’s broadband office, touched on the bidding process during the initial application phase with his comments.
“During the initial application process, 99.9% of all eligible locations in the State received at least one bid, and 99% received bids from two or more internet service providers,” Howie said. “Following negotiations for the remaining 0.1% of locations, Arkansas has achieved coverage for every single location.”
The plan now has a status of pending NTIA approval, expected by December, according to the governor’s website.
The above content was partially generated by AI tools.
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