The coronavirus pandemic has forced us into a new normal, and that means more and more people are conducting daily activities remotely. People are working, schooling, and churching from home. Students are participating in distance learning, parishioners are attending church services online, and patients are using telehealth to speak with doctors. We do not know how long any of this will last, and as a result, leaders are working to close the digital divide to meet our current needs of everyone in our communities. This past week, the Arkansas Senate and House committees for Advanced Communication and Information Technology were updated on a new tool designed to give us an accurate picture of our current broadband services for all constituents.
A few weeks ago, I shared how our state is the recipient of the Arkansas Rural Connect Program via the CARES Act. This program provides grants to qualifying communities for high-speed broadband services to residents. I mentioned that the internet speed must be at least 25 megabits per second for download and three (3) megabits per second for upload (25/3). This week, I would like to share instructions on verifying your speed so that you can possibly be included on taking advantage of the resource.
The Assembly is encouraging all Arkansans to visit broadband.arkansas.gov to test your internet speed. Once you reach the site, click on the green button in the lower right-hand corner titled, “Test Broadband Speed”. This is designed to direct you to the speed test and afterwards you will be instructed to take a short survey. The results of the survey will be integrated into the state dashboard. The goal is to provide faster upload and download speeds (25Mbps/3Mbps) to all areas with constituent populations over 500. The CARES Act grant is for $100 million designed to provide high speed broadband services to all Arkansas communities with populations over 500 by the year 2022. You have probably read in recent articles details about Arkansas Rural Connect, and it is important to learn as much as you can and how it will affect you and your family and how you communicate during the health crisis.
In other community news, I hope that everyone has continued practicing safety precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As of Wednesday September 16, 2020, there were a total of 70,731 confirmed cumulative COVID-19 cases in the State of Arkansas. Active cases include 5,572 constituents, and 387 remain hospitalized. Unfortunately, we are grieving the loss of 1,010 of our neighbors from the coronavirus. I know we have all reached fatigue hearing about this crisis, but please continue all safety practices. Wear masks and try to maintain six (6) feet of social distance when possible. Sanitize common surfaces; wash your hands with soap and water for at least twenty (20) seconds; and stay home if you are sick.
Finally, I like to share informative items that constituents might find useful. If you have questions about any legislation or the legislative process, feel free to contact me at my House of Representatives email at don.glover@arkansashouse.org or by phone at 501-682-6211. Follow me on Facebook @GloverForAR.
