WARREN, Ark. – In an effort to bolster high-speed internet connectivity and affordability within the City of Warren, a meeting was held at the Warren Municipal Building on Monday evening. The gathering, organized at the behest of Mayor Gregg Reep, brought together local business owners and representatives from Arkansas Connect, Laurie Ringler and Kimberly Young, both from the Arkansas State Broadband Office.
The primary objective of the meeting was to address the challenges faced by Warren residents in accessing reliable, high-quality internet services at affordable prices. Mayor Reep emphasized the need for dependable connectivity that is accessible to every citizen within the city limits.
A diverse group of local business people attended the meeting, expressing their concerns and discussing their specific internet requirements. Participants stressed the necessity of upgrading Warren’s internet infrastructure to fiber optic technology. Fiber optic networks offer faster and more reliable connections, capable of meeting the growing demands of modern businesses and households.
Mayor Reep echoed the sentiments of the local business community, highlighting the importance of securing funding to implement a comprehensive fiber optic internet network throughout the city. Such an upgrade would significantly enhance internet quality and availability.
The involvement of Arkansas Connect, represented by Laurie Ringler, the broadband project manager for the Arkansas State Broadband Office, and Kimberly Young, indicates the state government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide. Arkansas Connect has been actively working to expand broadband infrastructure and improve internet access across the state.
By collaborating with Arkansas Connect, Mayor Reep and the local business community are hoping to leverage their expertise and resources to secure the necessary funding for potential broadband projects going forward. They aim to create a more inclusive and connected community by providing accessible and affordable high-speed internet services to all Warren residents.
Efforts to improve broadband infrastructure and accessibility in Warren align with the broader national trend of prioritizing equitable internet access as a vital aspect of economic growth and social development.