Broadband

Ritter Communications is continuing its expansion across Arkansas, with a move into the Morrilton market. The Jonesboro-based broadband provider is expanding to Morrilton as part of a $4 million effort.. As part of this expansion, Ritter will be the first…

Ritter Communications is expanding again, bringing its broadband services to Lonoke in Central Arkansas. The Jonesboro-based broadband provider is investing $4 million to bring broadband services to Lonoke. Ritter will be offering XGS-PON service, delivering up to 10 gigabits per…

Two eastern Arkansas towns are developing their internet infrastructure through the Arkansas Rural Connect (ARC) Broadband Grant Program. Augusta and Stuttgart are the latest municipalities to receive funding through this state program. Both cities are retaining Ritter Communications, the Jonesboro-based…

Ritter Communications has named Jeff Chapman as its new vice president and general manager of its Fiber-to-the-Home division (FTTH). In this role, Chapman will oversee all of the strategic plans and initiatives for the company’s FTTH division. Ritter provides internet,…

 Arkansas has a telecom and internet service provider industry that has been, well, a little busy lately. When stay-at-home orders were issued at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, the utility that probably caused the most concern…

Several bills are now making their way to the Governor’s desk including one that could expand broadband services across the state. SB74 had unanimous support in both the House and the Senate. This bill allows cities, counties, and improvement districts…

A new map has been developed and released that shows the distribution of broadband providers throughout the State of Arkansas. Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced the release of the Arkansas State Broadband Map on Wednesday, Jan. 13. In addition to showing…

Three Arkansas utility companies have received approximately $11.8 million to provide rural broadband in the state. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced $550 million in rural broadband funding from as part of the ReConnect Program. This marks the second…

All companies capable of deploying broadband are now eligible to apply for Arkansas Rural Connect (ARC) grants. This rule change will allow electric cooperatives and subsidiaries to apply for grants. The Arkansas Legislative Council approved this emergency rule change in…

With more Arkansans working and learning remotely in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus, the issue of broadband access has become increasingly relevant. Yet as broadband access becomes more necessary to normal modern life, there is growing concern…