About

Connect Arkansas is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to the implementation of a community-based initiative to promote fast Internet service for rural areas and increase internet use in education. The Connect Arkansas Broadband Act was signed into law by Gov. Mike Beebe on March 28, 2007, to ensure the creation of a competitive broadband, or high-speed internet, infrastructure that will not only improve personal lives, but also the economic capabilities and of all Arkansans.

In economic development, education, and healthcare, broadband is a key strategic component.

High Speed Internet - Arkansas Statistics

According to the 2010 State New Economy Index, which ranks states based on their ability to compete in the new economy, Arkansas ranks 48th in the nation, which is a one spot drop from where Arkansas ranked in 2008. Arkansas now ranks 46th in deployment of broadband telecommunications which is a jump from 2008 (49th).

In a statewide survey of 604 registered Arkansas voters, released in March 2011, discovered that 68 percent of Arkansans have high speed internet access in their home or workplace, and that 92 percent feel that the Internet is a valuable tool for finding resources and information. However, 56 percent of those consider high speed broadband to be a luxury item in relation to other utilities such as electricity. Further, 58 percent said they would not subscribe to high speed internet if an affordable option were available in their community. 

Connect Arkansas believes that in order to address this lack of high speed internet, Arkansas residents must see the many applications of the internet in their daily lives - a safe, quick way to pay bills; an easy alternative for making vacation reservations; a fast way to renew your car's registration tags. The organization currently focuses its operations in three major areas: mapping of broadband infrastructure, community strategic planning to drive internet adoption, and development of public access points to promote internet use. One of the unique components of this organization is the community-by-community approach used to build and aggregate demand for broadband and the close collaboration with industry to advance the supply of fast Internet service for rural areas and communities.

Our Focus

To facilitate statewide broadband access, Connect Arkansas, a "delivery platform neutral" entity, focuses on three major components:

Determination of existing broadband infrastructure in Arkansas

An important step in facilitating access is to create an understanding of local needs. By mapping the state's existing broadband infrastructure, Connect Arkansas provides a level of detail that was currently not available in Arkansas. These maps show available broadband infrastructure, and more importantly, where there is no access to high speed Internet. Arkansas broadband providers can use this information to strategically optimize their network deployment plans and communities can further their Information Technology (IT) planning initiatives.

Education

Connect Arkansas will work with community leaders to develop a strategic plan for IT deployment, while working with local communities to make low cost high speed internet access and computer training more available.

Creating Impact

At the Community Level

The work of Connect Arkansas helps to build stronger communities. Through the creation of a competitive, local telecommunications infrastructure and access to high speed Internet, Arkansas communities will be able to sustain high-value jobs and provide a greater quality of life.

For the State

According to the CSE Freedom Foundation, full broadband deployment in Arkansas will create 8,200 new jobs and bring in over $2.6 billion annually in additional Gross State Product (GSP).