This week, the Oklahoma Broadband Office is conducting it’s Benefit of the Bargain round for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. Companies with technologies ranging from fiber-optics to Low-Earth Orbit satellite are allowed to apply for funding.
Oklahoma has over 40,000 homes, businesses, farms and Community Anchor Institutions without access to reliable, high-speed internet.
“This is an exciting time because we are getting close to complete coverage,” said Executive Director Mike Sanders. “Our BEAD program fills in the gaps and provides access to the small percentage of Oklahomans still without the fastest internet service.”
Internet service providers will compete for over $768 million available for award and have until July 23 to submit applications.
“The BEAD program builds on top of the great work the office has already achieved,” said Board Chairman Jim Meek. “We’re seeing construction from broadband infrastructure projects all over rural Oklahoma and the BEAD program will keep that going for years to come.”
In 2024, the Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board approved over $500 million in broadband infrastructure grants. It approved grants that bring internet directly to homes and businesses through ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) and the Capital Projects Fund (CPF), and an ARPA SLFRF Middle Mile program that supports companies extending their coverage into hard-to-reach rural areas.
Last year’s investment will provide 70,000 homes, businesses and farms with access to the fastest and most reliable internet service. At least one project is slated for 59 of the state’s 77 counties.
After the BEAD application round is over, the office will score projects and complete its Final Proposal to be submitted to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration by September 4.
Source: OBO