Watch a recap of the day’s groundbreaking here!
Four projects totaling $27.7 million for high-speed internet expansion were officially
launched Wednesday morning near Vinita by the Oklahoma Broadband Office (OBO) and BOLT Fiber, a subsidiary of Northeast Rural Services, Inc., a division of Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (NOEC).
The projects, funded through $22.1 million in federal grants administered by the OBO coupled with $5.6 million in matching funds from BOLT Fiber, will connect 2,984 homes and businesses with broadband internet using fiber optic technology. The award from ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) was made earlier this year by the Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board.
Wednesday’s event is but one example of the progress being made statewide to get high-speed internet access to all Oklahomans. BOLT Fiber projects are scheduled in Delaware, Craig, Mayes, and Ottawa counties.
OBO and BOLT Fiber officials, along with local legislators and municipal officials attended the event in Craig County.
“Today’s launch is more than just the laying of fiber – it’s the foundation for opportunity, growth, and connectivity in every corner of Oklahoma. With each mile of broadband we expand, we’re not just bridging a digital divide, we’re empowering our communities for a brighter, more prosperous future,” said OBO Executive Director Mike Sanders.
“There are many individuals and entities to thank for this achievement,” remarked BOLT Fiber CEO and NOEC General Manager Daniel Webster. “Significant effort was made behind the scenes to secure this important funding and we are thankful for all who helped make it happen.”
Added Webster: “The potential now exists for thousands more living here in northeast Oklahoma to access high-speed broadband internet. Many who have been waiting patiently for fiber-based services won’t be waiting much longer. This project will ensure the continued growth of our communities by helping solidify future employment and educational opportunities.”
ARPA-SLFRF-awarded grant projects will result in some 50,000 homes and businesses statewide being served with affordable and reliable high-speed internet. But the growth of broadband access across Oklahoma is just beginning.
Late last month, the Governing Board gave tentative approval to more than $158 million in ARPA Capital Projects Fund grants to 12 internet service providers for 50 projects in 28 counties.
Now, ISPs are competing for more than $750 million in additional grant funds through the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program.
With tens of thousands of locations to be served through OBO administered programs, the office is on pace to complete its mission of achieving statewide coverage.