Arkansas Legislative Council approves $11.1 million for Independence County broadband

Investment expected to increase county connectivity by up to 90% by 2030

Thousands of rural Arkansas residents are one step closer to high-speed internet following the approval of more than $11 million in state grant funding to expand broadband across Independence County.

The Arkansas Legislative Council authorized the release of $126.1 million statewide through the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. Of that total, $11.1 million is earmarked for Independence County. When combined with required matching funds from private grantees, the total investment in the county’s digital infrastructure is expected to exceed $20 million.

Local officials say the funding will be used to deploy a mix of technologies, including fiber optics, licensed fixed wireless, and low-Earth orbit satellites. This multi-pronged approach is designed to reach both densely populated neighborhoods and the county’s most remote rural pockets.

“This is a transformative moment for Independence County,” said Independence County Judge Kevin Jeffery. “High-speed broadband is no longer a luxury — it is essential infrastructure for education, healthcare, business development, and everyday life. Thanks to the Arkansas Legislative Council’s approval and the strong coordination of our Broadband Committee, we are closing the digital divide and positioning our county for long-term economic growth and opportunity.””

The push for better connectivity began in earnest in June 2023. At that time, the county had roughly 10,000 active broadband connections. Since then, nearly 7,000 new connections have been initiated. The new BEAD funding is expected to add another 2,000 lines, putting the county on track to increase its total connectivity by 90% by the year 2030.

Jeffery noted that the expansion is aimed at more than just faster downloads. The initiative is expected to bolster telehealth services, support remote learning for students, and provide a backbone for small businesses and entrepreneurs in the region.

The BEAD program is one of the largest infrastructure investments in Arkansas history. While the funding is secured, local leaders said specific project timelines and deployment schedules will be released as implementation begins.