State to launch broadband project into northeast rural Oklahoma

 

The latest launching of an Oklahoma Broadband Office projet to expand broadband service into rural areas of the state will take place Tuesday morning in northeast Oklahoma.

The Office will officially launch a broadband expansion project with ecoLINK fiber services to improve access to high-speed internet service in Creek County. The project will significantly enhance digital access and bridge the digital divide for residents and businesses in the area.

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, but especially in rural Oklahoma. This first grant program administered by the Oklahoma Broadband Office will connect some 50,000 homes and businesses in 55 of the state’s 77 counties.

Event Details:

  • What: Launch event for Oklahoma Broadband Office high-speed internet expansion project
  • When: 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 10
  • Where: Faith Baptist Church, Slick. The church, on State Highway 16 north side of Slick, has no street address, but can be found at this link.

Participants:

  • Jim Meek, Chair, Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board
  • Mike Sanders, Executive Director, Oklahoma Broadband Office
  • House Speaker Pro Tempore Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow
  • Tim Smith, Chief Executive Officer, ecoLINK/East Central Electric Cooperative
  • Legislative leaders, community leaders and stakeholders

Event Highlights:

  • Official announcement and overview of the broadband expansion project
  • Comments from key leaders and project partners
  • Groundbreaking photo opportunity
  • Q&A session with the media
  • Opportunities for interviews with project leaders and community representatives