Anna Pope

For years, federal and state governments have been working to expand internet connectivity, especially in rural communities. In 2023, Congress allocated about $42 billion for states through the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program. States were gearing up to start those projects, but in June, the Trump administration pressed pause and issued new guidance. Mike Sanders, the executive director of the Oklahoma Broadband Office, says his state's plans had to change. The Trump administration wanted states to consider different types of technology and the lowest cost options.

Recent federal funding changes have paused some programs or grants but the Oklahoma Broadband Office appears to be in good shape. In 2025, the office awarded more than 180 projects amounting to over $500 million in grants for broadband infrastructure projects across the state.