Broadband Expansion Project Breaks Ground in Eastern Oklahoma, Bringing New Opportunities to Rural Families and Businesses
$1.5 Million Investment to Bridge Rural Connectivity Gap
Rural eastern Oklahoma took another step toward closing the digital divide on Friday as state and community leaders gathered near the town of Okay to celebrate the launch of a $1.5 million broadband expansion project.
The initiative will deliver high-speed fiber internet to 108 homes and businesses in Wagoner County, expanding digital access for families, farmers, and small businesses that have long lacked reliable connectivity.
State and Local Partnership Fuels Expansion
Oklahoma Broadband Office and Lake Region Lead Project
The project is a collaboration between the Oklahoma Broadband Office (OBO) and Lake Region Technology & Communications. It is funded by $756,000 in federal broadband grants, administered by OBO and matched dollar-for-dollar by Lake Region.
Originally awarded in 2024 by the Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board, the investment is part of a broader statewide initiative ensuring rural Oklahomans are not left behind in the digital economy.
Leaders Emphasize Connectivity as Essential Infrastructure
OBO and Lake Region Officials Highlight Rural Impact
“This expansion is about giving opportunity to families, farmers, and small businesses in Wagoner County,” said Oklahoma Broadband Office Executive Director Mike Sanders.
“High-speed internet brings education, healthcare, and economic growth within reach, ensuring our rural communities can thrive for generations to come.”
Larry Mattes, Director of Marketing at Lake Region Technology & Communications, said the project represents an ongoing commitment to reach underserved areas.
“This build is another example of our ongoing commitment to deliver high-quality, high-speed internet to underserved areas,” Mattes said. “Reliable internet access is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity—and we’re proud to help bridge that digital divide for our local rural residents.”
Community Leaders Join Celebration
Broad Support for Rural Broadband Investment
Local legislators, federal and tribal representatives, municipal officials, and community leaders attended Friday’s event, emphasizing that broadband access is now considered essential infrastructure for rural prosperity.
Statewide Broadband Push Continues
More Than 180 Projects Underway Across Oklahoma
The Wagoner County project is one of more than 180 broadband builds currently underway across Oklahoma.
To date, the Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board has awarded roughly $525 million in grants, which—when matched by private investments—bring the total project value to over $840 million.
Broadband expansion projects are now slated for 59 of Oklahoma’s 77 counties, with more than 69,000 homes and businesses already approved for service.
With tens of thousands of additional locations expected to connect through upcoming OBO-administered programs, Oklahoma remains on pace to achieve statewide broadband coverage in the coming years.