As the Oklahoma Broadband Office prepares to launch an expansion project, this time in western Oklahoma, it received still more federal funding to bring broadband service to rural areas of the state.
The Oklahoma Broadband Office was approved for an $11.2 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to help new internet users effectively access the internet and learn about online services.
The grant, totaling $11,233,311, will fund efforts to ensure Oklahomans have the skills, technology, and capacity to participate in the digital economy.
“Oklahoma must be committed to digital education as it is essential for residents to be well equipped with the skills needed to effectively and confidently navigate the online world,” said OBO Executive Director Mike Sanders. “This funding will help us cultivate workforce, healthcare, educational, and civic opportunities as we work to close the digital divide for all.”
This is the fourth broadband-related grant program directed to the OBO for administration. The three other programs, totaling more than $1.3 billion, are funding the expansion of broadband infrastructure throughout the state.
One of the latest efforts of the Oklahoma Broadband Office will be in western Oklahoma as it officially launches an expansion project with internet service provider Dobson Fiber to improve access to high-speed internet service in eight more rural counties in the state.
The latest effort will take place Monday, Nov. 18 in Arapaho, county seat of Custer County, where officials will gather for the official launching of the project.
What: Launch event for Oklahoma Broadband Office/Dobson high-speed internet expansion project
When: 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 18
Where: Custer County Courthouse Lawn, 675 B St., Arapaho (In case of inclement weather, Arapaho Community Center, 653 C St., Arapaho)
Participants:
- Mike Sanders, Executive Director, Oklahoma Broadband Office
- Jim Horsburgh, Chief Strategy Officer, Dobson Fiber
- Other officials
Event Highlights:
- Official announcement and overview of the broadband expansion project
- Comments from key leaders and project partners
- Project launch photo opportunity
- Q&A session with the media
- Opportunities for interviews with project leaders and community representatives
The project is one of some 175 that are funded by the ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund and ARPA Capital Projects Fund that will greatly improve high-speed internet access throughout the state, but especially in rural Oklahoma. Awarded grants administered by the Oklahoma Broadband Office will connect more than 70,000 homes and businesses in 57 of the state’s 77 counties.