Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Broadband Office is celebrating the completion of two broadband expansion projects by Lake Region Technology & Communications that are bringing fiber-optic internet service to communities in Wagoner County. The projects were funded through Oklahoma’s American Rescue Plan Act Capital Projects Fund broadband program. Lake Region received approximately $756,000 across two projects to expand high-speed internet infrastructure in and around the towns of Okay and Porter.

Oklahoma is now 95 percent of the way toward reaching statewide connectivity, with Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment builds still ahead. But deploying last-mile broadband networks is just one aspect of closing the digital divide.

This summer, Oklahoma launched a statewide community access portal initiative, bringing private, internet-connected spaces to public libraries across the state. The program will place as many as 175 portals in libraries, giving rural residents a private space to access telehealth, workforce development, education, and other essential online services. The initiative comes as libraries have taken on an expanding role as community access points for technology and telehealth.

U.S. states and territories are making progress on their broadband goals this summer. A number of state-run initiatives have been launched, and several infrastructure projects are in full swing. While it's easy to have all eyes on the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program—and, hypocritically, more on that later—there are countless other actions states are taking to ensure robust broadband access and universal digital adoption. From infrastructure planning to deployment to increasing awareness and resources, states are doing it all.

The Oklahoma Broadband Office announced a new $14.5 million initiative to expand access to healthcare, workforce services, and digital skills training through Oklahoma's public libraries. The program will make up to 175 community access portals available to libraries across the state, creating new opportunities for Oklahomans to access essential services closer to home.

The Oklahoma Broadband Office announced a new $14.5 million initiative to expand access to healthcare, workforce services, and digital skills training through Oklahoma's public libraries.

Land-grant universities across the south are addressing the growing demand for digital connectivity in rural areas by leading research-based efforts to expand broadband, strengthen digital skills, and connect communities to essential services. By leveraging Extension networks and agricultural research, these universities are helping rural communities stay connected, competitive and prepared for the future.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration has issued final approval of last-mile grants under the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program for Oklahoma. Under the approved plan, Oklahoma will connect 40,509 homes, businesses and Community Anchor Institutions with high-speed internet service in hard-to-reach locations. There will be a project in all 77 counties and over 95 percent of the state will be connected when BEAD projects conclude.

Whether it’s the price tag of a degree, or the uncertain prospects coming out of one, more job seekers are prioritizing stability.

High-speed internet expansion is coming to fruition in Oklahoma. Two broadband expansion projects administered by the Oklahoma Broadband Office and funded through the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund have officially closed out, bringing new high-speed internet access to residents and businesses in Washita and Greer (OK) counties. The projects, completed by Dobson Fiber, are delivering reliable, fiber-optic internet service to 366 locations in and around Burns Flat and Granite.