Arkansas broadband office requests public input on draft plan

The Arkansas State Broadband Office is seeking feedback on a draft plan to expand broadband access across the state.

Input can be provided online or in person at one of three meetings this week:

• 3 to 5 p.m. Jan. 18 at 1652 White Dr. in Batesville
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 19 at 121 W. Main St. in Prescott
• 3 to 5 p.m Jan. 19 at 120 River Market Ave. in Little Rock

The Digital Skills and Opportunity Plan was developed based on data from more than 12,000 survey responses, 32 focus groups and in-person visits to all 75 counties during the summer. It aims to develop a plan for equipping Arkansans “with the digital skills necessary to succeed in the 21st-century digital economy,” according to a press release.

“It is important that as many Arkansans as possible provide feedback on this draft plan,” Arkansas State Broadband Director Glen Howie said. “Every voice matters to ensure the state’s plan is effective and accounts for the unique challenges that different segments of the state population face.”

Arkansas received more than $840,000 through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to address the state’s digital skills gap. This funding is in addition to a $5 million investment to create a five-year action plan for internet access.

The final Digital Skills and Opportunity Plan will be submitted to the federal government later this month. The report will help Arkansas be competitive for “additional investments to enhance digital opportunity across the state,” according to the press release.