For expanding the broadband services in the state, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences stated that a federal grant of $102 million will be received by it.

One of the biggest monetary awards given to an Arkansas institution of higher learning is the grant, from federal Agriculture Department economic stimulus funding.

Broadband connections in all 75 counties of Arkansas, in 135 communities, will be provided by the grant, UAMS said. Places that will get the connection are 81 hospitals in the state, the state's trauma network, all community colleges, and other health and education facilities.

About 4000 additional schools will be able to get the network after it gets completed. Apart from schools, health and public safety facilities will also be able to get the network.

The existing 3,700 miles of broadband lines well be leased for creating the network. To help create the network, another 379 miles will have to be built.

Dr. Curtis Lowrey, chairman of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, where he's also director of distance health said, "People wonder how we're going to reform health care in the future. This is it. Where you live should not determine whether you live or die."