The Oklahoma Broadband office is reaching out to Oklahomans about ways to use nearly $800 million in federal grant funds for high-speed internet expansion in the state.
Oklahomans are asked to comment about what the OBO has come up with so far.
The OBO has posted the BEAD Initial Proposal Volume 2 to its website at this link. Oklahoma has been allocated $797.4 million for BEAD, the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment, grant program. Public comment was taken on Volume 1 in September and October.
“BEAD is the single largest grant program the OBO will administer. The feedback we receive from you, the public, will help us craft a plan to best address the needs of Oklahoma,” said Mike Sanders, OBO executive director.
Comments or suggested revisions to the BEAD Initial Proposal Volume 2 can be submitted via email to BEAD@broadband.ok.gov.
Ensuring public input on Oklahoma’s plans for high-speed internet expansion is a key component of the OBO’s efforts. The office has held 29 informational meetings in cities and towns since this summer.
Including the BEAD program, the OBO will administer some $1.3 billion in federal grant funds for high-speed internet service expansion across the state.
Oklahoma launched an effort to ensure fast and affordable broadband internet service is available throughout the state and the Oklahoma Broadband Office is a key component.
Created in 2022, the office is on a mission to develop and administer federal grant programs to make affordable, high-speed internet available to all Oklahomans. It also coordinates efforts throughout the state to ensure broadband expansion is conducted effectively and efficiently.
Source: press release
