FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2025
Dallas, Texas — Premier Broadband today announced it has been awarded projects in Howard, Izard, Union, and Independence counties to deliver 100% fiber-optic broadband with symmetrical speeds up to 1 Gbps to unserved and underserved homes and businesses. These awards align with Arkansas’ final Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) proposal, now out for public review, as the state moves toward universal broadband coverage. KATVTalk Business & Politics
“Arkansas is all in on connecting every home and business,” the state’s BEAD announcement noted as it opened the plan for public comment ahead of NTIA submission. The proposal outlines a $1 billion effort with construction expected to begin in the first half of 2026, pending approvals. KATVTalk Business & Politics
Scott Sims, Manager of Premier Broadband, said:
“Premier Broadband is proud to invest in Arkansas for the long haul. From Dallas, our team has spent years partnering with Arkansas communities, and these new fiber-only projects in Howard, Izard, Union, and Independence counties reflect that commitment. We’re delivering reliable, future-proof fiber-optic connectivity with symmetrical speeds up to 1 Gbps—at a great price point—so families, students, small businesses, and healthcare providers can thrive on day one and scale for tomorrow.”
Project Highlights (Premier Broadband):
- 100% fiber-optic builds—no fixed wireless or satellite—focused on long-term reliability and scalability.
- Symmetrical up to 1 Gbps service at launch, engineered for multi-gigabit upgrades as demand grows.
- Local hiring and partnerships to support construction, splicing, customer activation, and ongoing operations.
Statewide BEAD Context (Arkansas):
- Final BEAD proposal released for public review; public comment through Aug. 29, 2025; NTIA submission targeted for Sept. 4, 2025. KATV
- Competitive process drew 730 applications from 33 ISPs; 23 providers selected for preliminary awards; plan covers ~79,000 locations at an average ~$3,891 per location. Talk Business & PoliticsKATV
- The proposal keeps Arkansas on track toward 100% coverage; construction is expected to start H1 2026 (pending approvals). KATVTHV11
About Premier Broadband
Founded in 2015, Premier Broadband is a leading regional provider of fiber-optic broadband and VoIP phone services, operating across Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The company builds and operates next-generation, fiber-only networks that deliver symmetrical speeds up to 1 Gbps to rural and underserved communities. With a strong focus on reliability, performance, and value, Premier’s fiber-first architecture is engineered to meet today’s connectivity needs while providing a future-proof foundation capable of scaling to multi-gigabit service. Visit www.premierbroadband.com to learn more.
Media Contact:
Scott Sims
Manager
Premier Broadband
(877) 828-9280 • [email protected]
