Arkansas’ First BEAD Round Sees 98% of Locations Receive Bids

Jan. 30, 2025 – Arkansas’ first round of applications for broadband expansion under the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program saw overwhelming provider participation, with 98% of unserved or underserved locations receiving at least one bid.

According to data released by the Arkansas State Broadband Office, 814 applications were submitted in Tranche-1, with 96% classified as competitive. The state has been allocated $1 billion in BEAD funding to expand broadband access, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Competition was particularly fierce, with 82% of unserved or underserved locations receiving bids from two or more competing internet service providers. A total of 48 ISPs participated in the process, including 29 in-state providers and 19 out-of-state entrants.