In case you missed it, the Arkansas State Broadband Office has signed a Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program grant agreement with Amazon Leo, making Arkansas the first state to execute a BEAD grant agreement with Amazon.    

Through the BEAD grant, Amazon Leo’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network will provide connectivity to 1,700 locations, connecting 4,200 Arkansans in hard-to-reach homes and businesses with the fast, reliable internet service they need to thrive.

From Arkansas State Broadband Director Glen Howie:

“Arkansas has remained focused on one goal from the beginning: connecting every eligible home, business, and community anchor institution as efficiently and responsibly as possible. Whether through LEO satellite, fiber, cable, or next-generation fixed wireless, what matters most is delivering reliable service to the people and communities that need it. This first-in-the-nation agreement with Amazon does just that.”

Leveraging all connectivity tools in the toolbox is allowing Arkansas to emerge as a national leader in broadband expansion and connectivity, reporting the largest state-based increase in broadband connectivity between 2021 and 2024. The addition of LEO satellite broadband options nationwide allows other states to utilize all technology options to bridge the remaining digital divide more efficiently.

Read Arkansas State Broadband Office’s press release here.

Learn more about the CEC’s mission to connect everyone, everywhere, here.

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