During a time when practically everything is online, those that aren't able to access the internet are being left behind. And you would be surprised how many Arkansans aren't connected.

Currently, Arkansas ranks 49th in the country when it comes to telecommunication infrastructure, and 47th when it comes to people online.

But billions of stimulus dollars are going towards broadband access, some of those funds are coming to Arkansas

For many, logging on to the internet is something you may not think twice about. For others, it's a luxury that's not available.

In fact, statistics show that 51-percent of Arkansans don't have service to broadband. A 2007 survey shows 29-percent of Arkansans have never even used the internet.

"Internet today is the fire, water, electricity, and super highway system of our generation," says Sam Walls with Connect Arkansas.  

President Obama realizes the need for broadband access, that's why he allocated around seven billion stimulus dollars. Thursday, Arkansans learned how to apply for those funds at a broadband grant and loan workshop in Lonoke.

"This program is wide open for non-profit, state and local government, and country government," said Laura Breeden with NTIA.  

Arkansans from across the state packed the meeting- to find out how they can get connected.

"It's standing room only in there. It shows the need for broadband in rural America," said David Villano with USDA. 

And as important as bringing internet access to all communities is, it's also about creating jobs.

"It's really about building broadband, and having people dig trenches and build towers and lay cable and people to operate networks," Breeden said.  

Which some say is a win/win situation for Arkansans, and a must to keep up in a fast paced, technology driven society

"It's transformative. It will shape the future of rural communities," Villano said.