Competition by internet service providers is now open for federal grants in the largest high-speed internet expansion program in Oklahoma history, Broadband Office Executive Director Mike Sanders announced this week.
More than $768 million in broadband expansion grants are expected to be awarded late this summer through the BEAD program administered by the Oklahoma Broadband Office. But there could be questions about the funding from the Trump administration and its DOGE program.
BEAD grants are designed to connect every remaining unserved and underserved home and business in Oklahoma to reliable and affordable high-speed internet.
“The opening of competition for BEAD grants marks a major milestone in our mission to close the digital divide as we embark on the largest single investment in broadband infrastructure in state history,” said Director Sanders. “This program to bring fast and reliable internet to all of Oklahoma will predominately benefit rural residents who have been left behind for far too long.”
The deadline for submitting applications is May 26. After submissions are scored, the office will present its final proposal to the Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board. Then it will be sent to National Telecommunications and Information Administration for final approval.
The office is currently overseeing projects funded by almost $500 million in broadband expansion grants awarded last year. At least one project is slated to be built in 57 of the state’s 77 counties. Approximately 170 projects have been awarded to provide high-speed internet access to some 70,000 homes and businesses.
The Oklahoma Legislature created the broadband office in 2022 to oversee the administration of federal broadband grants.
Source: press release
