Four projects totaling over $4.5 million for high-speed internet expansion in two counties were officially launched Friday morning in Vera by the Oklahoma Broadband Office (OBO) and internet service provider Totah Communications.
The projects, funded through $2.5 million in federal grants administered by the OBO coupled with $2 million in matching contributions from Totah, will connect 250 homes and businesses with broadband internet using fiber optic technology.
The awards were made last year by the Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board for high-speed internet expansion in Washington and Osage counties.
Friday’s event exemplifies the progress being made statewide to get high-speed internet access to all Oklahomans.
The FCC National Broadband Map shows the $2.9 million Vera project will connect 221 locations and result in availability of high-speed internet service to the majority of the Washington County community.
OBO and Totah officials, along with local legislators, federal officials and municipal officials attended the event.
“Today’s launch marks more than the rollout of fiber optic internet – we are laying the foundation of opportunity, growth, and connection in every corner of Oklahoma. With each mile of fiber service we extend, we’re not just closing a digital gap; we’re igniting a future where our rural communities thrive, and prosperity abounds.” said OBO Executive Director Mike Sanders.
“Totah is proud to participate in the opportunities to provide high speed internet service to rural residents in Oklahoma. These four projects demonstrate how public and private partnerships can help do just that. Without the grant dollars, Totah would not have been able to cost effectively serve these unserved and underserved locations. Broadband service is no longer a luxury for citizens of Oklahoma and the United States. It is necessary for economic growth, education, remote health care, as well as entertainment,” said Mark Gailey, President and CEO of Totah Communications, Inc.
Totah has been a family-owned company since 1954.
Grants of some $500 million were awarded in 2024 by the Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board. When matching funds from the internet service providers building the projects are added, the total investment is more than $750 million.
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 access to some 70,000 homes and businesses.
ISPs are now competing for more than $768 million in additional grant funds through the BEAD program.
With more than 100,000 locations anticipated to be served through OBO administered programs, the office is on pace to complete its mission of achieving statewide coverage.