A company called Skycap is applying for a grant to construct and provide rural broadband internet to the Independence county communities of Thida, Rosie, and Salado.
The grant process goes through the Connect Arkansas program.
Independence County Judge Robert Griffin said Wednesday he has signed off on the
application which is required by state law. The application says there is a great deficiency of service of affordable broadband in many areas of Independence County. The company said in its applications that there is an urgent need for reliable internet service for children
during this pandemic when distant learning is required.
This area of the county has insufficient bandwidth capabilities for children to try and do
their classwork, or to connect with their teacher through Zoom or other related applications.
Judge Griffin said he expects several applications to be filed for broadband construction projects in Independence County.
A timeline on when services will be established is not yet known.
Get up-to-date local and regional news along with the latest sports and weather every weekday morning by listening to Gary B. on Ozark Newsline, broadcast from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3. White River Now updates are also aired weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and Your FM 99.5. Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Add don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Remember: Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Practice social distancing.
