Construction is officially underway on rural broadband expansion projects funded through the second round of grants administered by the Oklahoma Broadband Office (OBO). On Friday, the OBO and Pioneer Telephone Cooperative launched construction on the first two projects funded through the American Rescue Plan Act Capital Projects Fund (ARPA-CPF).
The projects totaling some $878,000 were formally begun in a ceremony near the Garvin County town of Lindsay in southcentral Oklahoma.
Funded through $658,000 in ARPA-CPF grants administered by the OBO, coupled with $219,000 in matching contributions from Pioneer, the projects will connect 86 homes and businesses with broadband internet using fiber optic technology.
The OBO is currently administering two federal grant programs that were awarded by the Broadband Governing Board last year. The first program was awarded in January last year and the second round that includes these projects occurred in late September. A third infrastructure expansion program will be awarded in late summer.
Friday’s event illustrates the progress being made statewide to get high-speed internet access to all Oklahomans. Pioneer projects are scheduled in Garvin and Jefferson counties.
OBO and Pioneer officials, along with local legislators and municipal officials attended the event.
“It’s great to see our second round of grant funding coming to fruition. Today’s launch is about more than just laying fiber – we’re laying the foundation of opportunity, growth, and connection for the entire state of Oklahoma,” said OBO Executive Director Mike Sanders. “Rural Oklahomans are no longer being left behind and we’re getting it done one community at a time.”
“Lindsay has always been a great neighbor to Pioneer, and we are excited for the opportunity to serve part of the community with support from the Oklahoma Broadband Office. We are proud to be a part of this transformation, bringing endless opportunities and enhanced connectivity for many Lindsay residents,” said Blake Callaham, General Manager of Pioneer Telephone Cooperative.
Grants of more than $500 million were awarded in 2024 by the Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board. When matching funds of at least 25 percent from the internet service providers building the projects are added, the total investment is more than $625 million.
At least one project is slated to be built in 57 of the state’s 77 counties. Approximately 175 projects have been awarded to provide high-speed access to more than 70,000 homes and businesses.
ISPs are now competing for more than $750 million in additional grant funds through the BEAD program.
With tens of thousands of locations to be served through OBO administered programs, the office is on pace to complete its mission of achieving statewide coverage.
