Arkansas Business

Connect Arkansas, an Arkansas private nonprofit created to enhance broadband access, received $2.08 million from the federal government for an accessibility mapping program.

Connect Arkansas, a member of Arkansas Capital Corporation, received the grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s State Broadband Data and Development program.

The nonprofit said the grant will help fund mapping efforts during the next two years that will illustrate where broadband Internet is available in Arkansas, where connectivity is unavailable or unreliable in order to lessen the “electronic divide” statewide.

“Through the NTIA’s funding, Connect Arkansas will build upon initial mapping efforts and expand the information it already has acquired from service providers to show information at a more granular level,” said C. Sam Walls, CEO of Arkansas Capital Corporation, which oversees Connect Arkansas.

Walls said Connect Arkansas has established more than 100 partnerships with both public and private sector organizations throughout Arkansas to assist in the Connect Arkansas stratey.

In 2007, Gov. Beebe signed the Connect Arkansas Act, which seeks to increase the use and availability of broadband Internet within Arkansas. Beebe also designated Connect Arkansas as the lead agency for federal broadband mapping support.

“Today’s announcement will allow the state to continue to make strides in improving broadband availability. Gov. Beebe understands the value of broadband, especially its ability to improve the lives of Arkansans and their access to healthcare and educational opportunities,” said Chris Masingill, Arkansas Recovery Implementation Director.
Walls said Connect Arkansas has secured almost half a million dollars for planning in matching funds.

“We are committed to this program to improve Arkansas’s ranking in broadband and Internet accessibility,” he said.

A 2008 State New Economy Index ranked Arkansas No. 47 in its ability to compete in the new economy. Arkansas ranks No. 49 in deployment of broadband telecommunications.
“According to reports, full broadband deployment in Arkansas may create as many as 8,200 new jobs and generate more than $2.6 billion annually in additional Gross State Product,” Walls said.

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