Thanks to Ann Higgins for sending me an update on Connect Arkansas (Panel Discusses Progress Toward Statewide Broadband Access). Arkansas is a step or two ahead of Minnesota in the drive for broadband. A Broadband Advisory Council and Connect Arkansas was created by the General Assembly in March 2007.

The Council recently reported on their recommendations – including $750,000 to begin funding the first phase of broadband deployment. The bad news is that no money has been appropriated for the deployment; the good news is that the Arkansas Science & Technology Authority maybe able to help.

The Connect Arkansas folks are still working on the reports and maps of broadband access and coverage.