ARConnect

Last week, Mayor Stephanie White invited us to the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the community’s inaugural internet service. We celebrated with the City of Keo , rejoicing in closing the digital access divide in Keo. Thanks for inviting us! Special shoutout to Inspire Internet for launching this exciting new service in 12 Arkansas communities. This long-awaited achievement is a moment to celebrate!

As of April 28, 2026, all of Arkansas’ Broadband Expansion and Development (BEAD) projects have been approved by the Arkansas General Assembly. This marks another significant step towards our fully connected future. We extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to this achievement.

For further information, please visit our webpage: https://broadband.arkansas.gov/bead/

On , skills create opportunity. Broadband connects us — but digital skills move us forward. From building a résumé to earning career certificates or growing a small business, learning online can open real doors.

Through Arkansas’s partnership, Arkansans can access free training to build industry-recognized, in-demand digital skills.

Ready to grow? Get started today:
https://commerce.arkansas.gov/arkansas-grow-with-google/

Arkansas stakeholders — there’s another opportunity to be heard.

NTIA has scheduled a second listening session on the use of BEAD Non-Deployment Funds after the first session reached capacity before everyone could speak.

This is an important opportunity for Arkansas communities, providers, local leaders, and digital opportunity advocates to share perspectives on how these funds can best support connectivity and meaningful broadband use in our state.

What: BEAD Non-Deployment Listening Session
When: Wednesday, February 18 | 1:00–3:00 PM CT
Register: https://www.ntia.gov/federal-register-notice/2026/ntia-listening-session-use-bead-funds-saved-through-trump-administrations-benefit-bargain-reforms

💡 If you plan to speak:
• Raise your hand early
• Prepare and practice your remarks
• Keep comments to 2 minutes

Arkansas voices matter in shaping how these resources are used.

ntia-gov.zoomgov.com

🌟 Happy National Internet Friends Day, Arkansas! 🌟

Whether you’ve bonded over your favorite snacks, shared shopping finds, or spent hours obsessing out over crafts, today is all about celebrating the online relationships that enrich our lives. 💻❤️

Distance doesn’t make these connections any less special—our internet friends may be miles away, but they’re always close to our hearts. 💌

Reach out to your favorite online besties and let them know how much they mean to you!

NTIA is hosting a listening session on how BEAD funds saved through benefit bargain reforms can be used to expand broadband access and digital opportunity. This is an important opportunity for communities, providers, and stakeholders to share input and help shape how these resources are used.

🔗 Learn more & register: https://broadbandusa.ntia.gov/events/latest-events/ntia-listening-session-use-bead-funds-saved-through-trump-administrations-benefit-bargain-reforms

Arkansas voices matter — join the conversation.

broadbandusa.ntia.gov

ARConnect is proud to join ConnectSafely in support of on Feb. 10 — a global movement to make the internet safer and healthier for everyone. Explore free resources for schools and families at Safer.ConnectSafely.org

Winter weather can make conditions change quickly. Reliable internet helps Arkansans access local updates, stay connected with loved ones, and get information when it matters most. Wishing everyone a safe night as the storm moves through.

2025 was a big year for broadband in Arkansas. From expanding access in rural communities to growing the broadband workforce and launching new tools to help Arkansans navigate affordability, ARConnect made meaningful strides statewide. None of this happens without strong partnerships, dedicated teams, and communities working together.

We’re proud of the progress made — and even more excited about what’s ahead.

Join ARConnect for the final Arkansas Broadband Leaders Network (ABLN) meeting of 2025, happening today at 10 a.m.

If you haven’t gotten involved yet, now is the perfect time to connect.
📝 Sign up here: https://broadband.arkansas.gov/opportunity/

We’ll see you there!

We’re making progress! Arkansas’ BEAD journey continues as the NIST budget is officially approved. With each milestone checked, we move closer to high-speed internet for every community.

📶 Stay informed and follow along:
https://broadband.arkansas.gov/bead/