By Erin France
Pine Bluff Commercial

PINE BLUFF — Whether individuals subscribe or not — a private, non-profit group wants to show the whys and hows of broadband Internet to bring the service to needed areas and make it more palatable to reluctant consumers.

Connect Arkansas is a private, nonprofit organization that aims to promote Internet access and education.

According to maps created by the group, Jefferson County and Pine Bluff residents do have access to broadband connections — but not all of the potential subscribers may know what to do with the capability.

Emerson Evans, who creates maps for Connect Arkansas, said another component would be showing what services are available in which areas.

“We’ve realized since the beginning that would be something that would be necessary,” he said.

Evans said he hopes that by mid-year next year, Connect Arkansas will be able to introduce a web-based search tool that will allow residents to type in their address and see what Internet providers are available in their area.

“Then we will leave it up to the consumer to do what they need to do to get service,” he said.

Evans said the service map is a new technique.

“This is the first time that anybody’s ever attempted this in the state,” he said.

Information about Connect Arkansas is available at http://connect-arkansas.org.