Authority President Helps Push Broadband Initiative To The Next Step

Friday, May 2, 2008

From arkansasbusiness.com

Panel Discusses Progress Toward Statewide Broadband Access
By Amy Riggin
5/1/2008 3:36:01 PM

An advisory group working to improve statewide access to broadband Internet service is about to be another step closer to that goal, John Ahlen, president of the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority, said Thursday.

Ahlen was among state government officials, academics and members of the business community attending the fourth annual Breakthrough Solutions Conference on Thursday at the Hilton in Little Rock.

The Broadband Advisory Council, created by the state General Assembly, has released its first report with recommendations for moving the broadband initiative forward. Among those needs is about $750,000 to begin funding the first phase of broadband deployment.

No money was appropriated for the rollout during the last legislative session. But Ahlen said Thursday that the ASTA will be able to provide some funding.

"I think we have good news coming in the next few days," Ahlen said.

Ahlen did not provide details on the amount of funding available. He said the process for releasing those funds has begun, and that he expects to make a formal announcement after the board meets later this month.