Arkansas officials seek feedback on federal broadband map

The state broadband office is launching a process Wednesday for Arkansans to challenge the accuracy of a federal broadband map in advance of awarding broadband infrastructure grants.

By: Antoinette Grajeda
Arkansas Advocate

The state broadband office is launching a process Wednesday for Arkansans to challenge the accuracy of a federal broadband map in advance of awarding broadband infrastructure grants.

The Federal Communications Commission’s National Broadband Map provides information about internet service available at locations across the country, as reported by Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

The state’s mapping challenge portal system will allow units of local government and nonprofit organizations to submit challenges on behalf of Arkansans, who were asked to provide feedback to the Arkansas State Broadband Office in the months leading up to the mapping challenge, according to a press release.

“We have been preparing for this process for well over a year,” State Broadband Director Glen Howie said. “As a result of intensive stakeholder outreach and engaged residents across the state, our counties are organized and ready to go. We look forward to launching this historic process.”

The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), provides $42.45 billion to U.S. states, territories, and the District of Columbia to expand broadband access, fund deployment and mapping, and address affordability and digital skills needs.

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