Sparklight receives $1.4 million grant to extend broadband to Ogden and Wilton

LITTLE RIVER COUNTY, Ark. — Sparklight is expanding to the Ogden and Wilton areas with a $1.4 million grant that will bring high-speed internet to the towns by mid-September, officials say.

“Access to fast and reliable high-speed internet is critical — especially in unprecedented times like these when our customers are staying connected to loved ones, work, school, and entertainment from home,” said Julie Laulis, Sparklight president and CEO, in a press release. The grant was awarded to Sparklight by the Arkansas Rural Connect, a program designed to expand the broadband footprint in rural Arkansas communities.

Broadband will offer symmetrical speeds up to 1 Gig for residential customers and up to 5 Gigs for business customers. Construction will begin in June, Sparklight officials say.

Monthly prices for the service are not available yet but should be posted on Sparklight’s website soon, a company spokesman said.

When the project is complete, more than 330 residential and business customers will have access to the broadband service. Sparklight provides cable television and internet services to Ashdown, Arkansas, but the $1.4 million grant means the company will expand its reach to Ogden, just south of Ashdown, and Wilton, just north of Ashdown.

“We are thrilled to partner with the towns of Ogden and Wilton to bring the latest technology and fastest speeds to residents and businesses in these communities,” Laulis said. A local official welcomes the expansion and new service.

“The Ogden community looks forward to working with Sparklight,” Ogden Mayor Sandra Furlow said. “Reliable internet is a much-needed service in our community.”