One of the first projects to see the actual turning of dirt for Oklahoma’s broadband expansion program is scheduled to begin in a week in the southern part of the state.
The Oklahoma Broadband Office announced it will launch the project with 360 Broadband, a company that will install fibre optics to improve access to high-speed internet service in Marshall County. The project is one of more than 125 that are funded by the ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund that will greatly improve high-speed internet access throughout the state.
With Madill the county seat and the towns of Kingston, New Woodville and Oakland, the Marshall County project will entail about $4.4 million in improvements. The deadline for the installation is the end of 2026 so it appears 360 Broadband will have about 18 months to have the improvements ready for broadband users in the county that sits along the Red River.
The Marshall County project’s $3.5 million in grant funds and about $900,000 in matching funds is one of the first to be financed out of the state’s $1.3 billion in federal funds aimed at making the Internet available to all rural areas of Oklahoma.
“The project will significantly enhance digital access and bridge the digital divide for residents and businesses in the area,” stated the Broadband Office in announcing the effort. The office explained the first grant program will connect some 50,000 homes and businesses in 55 of the state’s 77 counties.
A launching ceremony will be held Wednesday, July 24 at 10:30 a.m. on State Park Road in Kingston at the Lake Texoma Association office.
Mike Sanders, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Broadband Office will be joined by Dustin Reid, Director of Sales & Marketing for 360 Broadband, along with legislative and community leaders.