Oklahoma board approves $158 million in broadband grants

At least 28,000 locations in Oklahoma are on their way to high-speed internet access, after the Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board unanimously approved more than $158 million in grants on Sept. 26. The 50 grants included 12 internet service providers with projects in 28 Oklahoma counties.

These grants are funded through the American Rescue Plan Act Capital Projects Fund and will be paired with more than $109 million in matching funds from internet service providers.

“The partnership between the broadband office and our internet service providers has been essential in advancing vital projects for communities across the state,” said Jim Meek, Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board chairman. “These grants will significantly enhance access to high-speed internet, improving economic opportunities and quality of life for tens of thousands of Oklahomans.”

This is the second wave of grants approved by the board this year. In total, the grants from ARPA CPF and ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds amount to more than $500 million. The combined grants are expected to bring high-speed internet to more than 66,000 homes and businesses in 57 Oklahoma counties.

“These investments are a game changer for communities that have for far too long been left behind in the digital age,” said OBO Executive Director Mike Sanders. “We’re moving closer to ensuring that every Oklahoman has access to the high-speed internet essential for success in today’s world.” 

Still to come is the final stage of OBO’s broadband infrastructure program, in which they are expected to approve over $750 million in grants for broadband expansion. These funds will be through the Broadband Equity and Deployment program, and will provide even more underserved Oklahomans with high-speed internet connections.

Lacey Vilhauer can be reached at 620-227-1871 or [email protected].