LITTLE ROCK -- A Department of Information Systems official says Arkansas schools are connecting to a new high-speed broadband network faster than originally anticipated.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports that department director Mark Myers told lawmakers Monday that when the project is completed, Arkansas will be one of three states with high-speed broadband in every school building.
According to Myers, 148 of 276 school districts were connected to the new Arkansas Public School Computer Network as of last month. He says the remaining schools will be connected this fiscal year, which ends June 30, 2017.
Myers said the department has also managed to secure a contract for the two school districts that did not receive a bid last year.
The lack of high-speed internet access has caused issues at schools as more standardized tests are being moved to online formats. Every school district is required to provide at least one interactive online course, pushing the need for better access.
More than 20 companies have been converting the network from copper wire to high-speed, fiber-optic cable. The state had originally planned to connect 126 schools by the end of June.
According to officials, the new network will cost $6.7 million per year in transport costs and internet fees once improvements are completed.
The old network, which includes the costs of private providers with whom districts contracted, cost $9.7 million per year.
State Desk on 07/20/2016