LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Officials with the Arkansas State Broadband Office said a recent agreement with Amazon will increase broadband access statewide.
Officials said the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program Grant agreement with Amazon Leo makes Arkansas the first state in the nation to execute such an agreement with Amazon. With this agreement, Amazon’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology will help bring high-speed internet service to some of the Natural State’s most difficult-to-reach homes and businesses.
Arkansas State Broadband Office in final steps of BEAD program
The approved $2.4 million project will serve more than 1,700 locations and affect over 4,200 state residents, broadband office officials said. The initiative is funded by a $1.76 million federal BEAD grant, with Amazon providing more than $580,000 in matching funds.
Arkansas led the nation in broadband expansion between 2021 and 2024, recording the country’s largest percentage increase in high-speed internet connectivity, officials said…