Ritter Communications will soon offer access to its fiber high-speed internet service, which is currently available to businesses in Brinkley, to local residents as well. The new service offer is part of a recent investment made to improve the area’s…
Arkansas Rural Connect Program
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Augusta and Stuttgart Receive Combined $9.3 Million ARC Broadband Funding, Ritter Developing Internet Infrastructure
by Tyler Haleby Tyler HaleTwo eastern Arkansas towns are developing their internet infrastructure through the Arkansas Rural Connect (ARC) Broadband Grant Program. Augusta and Stuttgart are the latest municipalities to receive funding through this state program. Both cities are retaining Ritter Communications, the Jonesboro-based…
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New Digital Map Shows Broadband Distribution in Arkansas
by Tyler Haleby Tyler HaleA new map has been developed and released that shows the distribution of broadband providers throughout the State of Arkansas. Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced the release of the Arkansas State Broadband Map on Wednesday, Jan. 13. In addition to showing…
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Arkansas Rural Connect Program Expands Eligibility Criteria
by AMP Staffby AMP StaffAll companies capable of deploying broadband are now eligible to apply for Arkansas Rural Connect (ARC) grants. This rule change will allow electric cooperatives and subsidiaries to apply for grants. The Arkansas Legislative Council approved this emergency rule change in…
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House Report: State Government Working to Bridge Digital Divide in Arkansas
by AMP Staffby AMP StaffWith more Arkansans working and learning remotely in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus, the issue of broadband access has become increasingly relevant. Yet as broadband access becomes more necessary to normal modern life, there is growing concern…
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Hamburg Receives $2 Million to Improve Local Broadband
by Tyler Haleby Tyler HaleA southeastern Arkansas town has been awarded $2 million to increase its broadband connectivity. Through the Arkansas Rural Connect (ARC) program, Hamburg has received $2 million to lay fiber to local homes. The city will work in partnership with CableSouth…
COVID-19 has highlighted some of the shortcomings of our broadband connectivity, but the pandemic also has created opportunities for us to accelerate our expansion of internet service, which I’d like to talk about today. Earlier this year, I created a…
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Fairfield Bay Awarded First Arkansas Rural Connect Broadband Grant
by Tyler Haleby Tyler HaleFairfield Bay has received the first Arkansas Rural Connect (ARC) broadband grant. The Arkansas Department of Commerce awarded $1,568,750.25 to the city, in partnership with Arkansas Telephone Company (Artelco). The grant will be used to provide broadband fiber to Fairfield…
- June 2020MagazineOpinionTechnology
Arkansas Rural Connect Program Represents Access
by Mike Prestonby Mike PrestonWhy is broadband connectivity important? Broadband is much more than a high-speed internet connection. Broadband is economic development. Broadband is education. Broadband is health care. The COVID-19 pandemic has also proven that broadband access is essential for the present and…