One of the 57 nodes supporting K-Powernet’s state of the art 400 GBS DWDM network.
The rapid growth of K-Powernet’s FTTH ISP customers has driven the need for a new transport network supporting 400 GBS circuits with future 800 GBS connectivity. Customer circuits on this network are already in service with rapidly expanding availability throughout the footprint.
With connectivity from 57 points of presence to many global carriers in Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Kansas City, K-Powernet provides a sole source, geo-diverse, redundant solution for broadband carriers of all sizes in our 3-state service area.
K-Powernet is celebrating 25 years of commercial network services and has a large staff of highly trained network professionals.
IEC crews are meeting construction deadlines weekly in order to be a bridge between members and high-speed Internet.
In 2023, Indian Electric Cooperative entered into a lease agreement with Cox Communications, and the national broadband giant now is serving homes in the IEC territory.
The collaboration between the two entities has IEC leasing its infrastructure along the backbone of the system, with the cooperative operating as the middle mile and Cox supplying its broadband product from the pole to the home.
By this summer, more than 2,500 IEC members will have the opportunity to connect to Cox services, with more homes and businesses added every day.
“That is our main objective and the reason why we teamed with Cox,” IEC CEO Todd Schroeder said. “Underserved and unserved Oklahomans deserve the same opportunities, the same quality of life as those who live in more urban areas. We knew we could open those doors for our members faster if we also opened our minds as a cooperative and made this a team effort instead of forging ahead on our own. Our members needed high-speed Internet two decades ago, and in the cooperative spirit, we’re stepping in and providing a bridge to cross that divide.”
IEC crews have installed fiber in the town of Fairfax in Osage County and cooperative members there were the first to benefit from the project at the first of the year. The backbone connects Fairfax up north to the south end of the line in west Tulsa County/Eastern Creek County. Members in that area, more specifically in near Lotsee and East Mannford, will be able to receive service this summer.
While the cooperative is investing some of its own capital, building out the middle mile of fiber to seven counties is an expensive – and expansive – undertaking. To alleviate some of that burden, IEC was pleased to be amongst other cooperatives receiving funding through Legislature-approved American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds in January.
The Oklahoma Broadband Office awarded IEC $17 million toward specific legs of the full project. IEC also is pursuing other funding opportunities to offset construction costs to the cooperative.
“We are working every day to meet construction deadlines and expectations of members who have been really supportive as they wait,” Schroeder said. “It’s exciting every time a member signs up for Cox service. We are grateful to be able to provide that connection and to empower our communities with tools they deserve, tools that will help them prosper.”
Employees celebrated the completion of the fiber build for Central members at a recent celebration.
Life is now better for many rural residents thanks to high-speed internet and phone service as Centranet announces its availability to all Central Rural Electric Cooperative’s members.
“This is an exciting time for Central and its members,” said Mark Prather, Central’s President of Fiber and Technology. “Centranet is open to all members and serving some members who have never had access to high-speed internet.”
The anticipated five-to-seven-year project began in 2020 when Central’s board of trustees approved the system-wide fiber buildout to increase system reliability and support connectivity for its rural members.
“Centranet is no longer a project, it’s a part of Central,” said Hunter Robinson, Central’s CEO. “It benefits our membership and empowers our members through rural connectivity.”
The completion of the fiber project comes almost a full year ahead of schedule and prepares Central’s electric distribution system for the demands of the future and the need for data to be analyzed in real-time.
“The fiber build is helping Central create an interconnected communication network by adding a fiber connection to manage the electric grid and field applications more efficiently,” Robinson said. “While this is still in process, having connectivity to devices in the field has already helped us identify outages quicker.”
Fifteen hundred poles were added to Central’s system, and more than 10 percent of poles were replaced to increase stability and withstand the weight of the added fiber. Throughout the project, nearly 70 percent of Central’s grid was surveyed.
“Not everyone wants to live in a town, and they shouldn’t be disadvantaged by a lack of connectivity,” Prather said. “Broadband connectivity for our rural members is just as important as other utilities.”
What began as a vision for high-speed reliable internet service is now a reality for Central’s more than 18,000 members.
“Just as rural electrification did in the 1930s, Centranet is improving rural lives,” Robinson said.
Located in Stillwater, Okla., Centranet is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Central Rural Electric Cooperative that brings members the fastest, most reliable internet through its fiber network.
Colene Stephenson in front of her business, Everything Nice.
Colene Stephenson has owned and operated her own business, Everything Nice, a café, catering and floral boutique in Stilwell, OK, for nearly five decades since buying the flower shop where she worked as a young adult not long after having her first child.
“I had him not long at all after I started the shop, and however old he is, that’s how I keep track of the age of the store,” she laughed.
The world has changed a lot since Colene opened her shop 46 years ago, and when internet and telephone became the main conduits through which new customers found her business and existing ones placed their orders, a secure and reliable connection provided by a reliable company became paramount to her business staying afloat.
“Nearly 80% of our business comes through telephone calls and Facebook Messenger,” said Colene. “If our internet is slow, or our phones aren’t working, that’s a very big problem.”
OzarksGo wasn’t Colene’s first attempt at a secure connection for her eager online customers.
“I’d been having issues with my previous provider for weeks and no one could tell me what was going on,” she said. I called OzarksGo on a Friday, and by that Monday my service was up and running!”
When asked about the difficulties of running a business in such a small town, Colene compared her situation to spinning plates.
“If one small thing goes wrong,” she said, “everything can come crashing down.”
OzarksGo hopes to keep taking the spinning plates out of Colene’s hands so that she can instead place them, full of food, in front of her eager customers!
Although the mission to serve members is complete, there are still many who need access to high-speed internet, and ecoLINK is committed to seeing this through. ecoLINK will fill in the gaps and fulfill grant obligations in off-system areas.
The successful 2023 completion of ecoLINK’s East Central Electric membership project marks a significant stride in a commitment to providing cutting-edge, affordable fiber broadband services. It’s a milestone in ECE’s journey toward bridging the digital divide. Completing the member project has fueled their desire to eagerly step into the next phase of their journey.
“It (project completion) has reinforced our dedication to delivering reliable, affordable, high-speed fiber broadband services, transforming the digital landscape within the East Central Electric Cooperative service area,” Director of Broadband Operations Jeremy Hendrickson said.
One of the key pillars of ecoLINK’s future is a steadfast commitment to bringing high-speed internet to underserved communities. These areas, often overlooked by traditional service providers, represent a digital gap that ecoLINK is determined to bridge.
“We recognize that access to reliable broadband is not a luxury,” Hendrickson said. “But a fundamental necessity in the modern world.”
With the member project triumphantly concluded, ecoLINK eagerly ventures into the next phase of its journey – the Off-System Build. This initiative seeks to expand their fiber broadband network, ensuring connectivity in communities that were previously underserved.
ecoLINK has identified the communities in their service area that are underserved and have expressed a desire for high-quality broadband.
Hendrickson said ecoLINK plans to strategically expand their network into these areas, ensuring that residents and businesses can benefit from fast, reliable, and affordable internet connections. This expansion is integral to ecoLINK’s mission.
ecoLINK is currently immersed in the planning and design phase of the Off-System Build. They are tactically planning their expansion into the aforementioned areas. This crucial stage involves meticulous research, innovative planning, and strategic design. Additionally, ecoLINK has been awarded grant monies from CAF (Connect America Fund), RDOF (Rural Digital Opportunity Fund) and most recently ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) to extend its services beyond its electric service territory boundaries.
Pictured Sheila Allgood, Ocean Pennington, Zach McLemore, Neil Wildman, Justin Barnett, Kara Marshala, Marissa Williams, Amanda Freeze, Mary Garcia, and Cash Nowakowski.
We’re thrilled to announce that CVEC Fiber has been named the “Best of the Best Internet Service Provider” in the Tri-County Area, as hosted by the Shawnee News Star!
This award exemplifies our unwavering commitment to providing top-notch internet services to our valued subscribers. CVEC Fiber has become the go-to choice for internet connectivity in our local community, with lightning-fast speeds, unbeatable reliability, and exceptional customer support.
“We are incredibly excited and grateful to receive this recognition from the Shawnee News Star”, said Sheila Allgood, General Manager of CVEC Fiber. “It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team at CVEC Fiber, as well as the support of our customers and community”.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who voted for us and helped us achieve this extraordinary recognition. Your unwavering support and confidence in CVEC Fiber means the world to us, and we’re devoted to continuing to exceed your expectations every step of the way.
At CVEC Fiber, our mission has always been to Improve Life and Serve Community. We are connecting our local towns and empowering individuals and businesses to thrive in the digital age. Winning the title of “Best of the Best” Internet Service Provider further fuels our passion and dedication to delivering excellence in every aspect of our service.
As we celebrate this milestone, we renew our commitment to continue serving you with the highest quality internet solutions and unparalleled customer satisfaction. Together, let’s pave the way for a future filled with limitless possibilities and seamless connectivity.
Once again, thank you to everyone who voted for CVEC Fiber. We are truly honored to be your internet service provider of choice in the Tri-County Area. Here’s to a future filled with even more incredible connections!
Patrons at the Miami Public Library take advantage of the facility’s wi-fi and high-speed internet to complete school work.
Much like the woolly mammoth and dodo bird, the public library of yesteryear has fallen prey to extinction.
Modern libraries are an altogether different species. No longer merely book depositories with endless shelves of dusty and dated volumes, libraries are now vital hubs where community members gather to utilize high-speed broadband internet and valuable technology assets.
Callie Cortner says the number of people logging in to online resources at the Miami Public Library has jumped exponentially in just a few short years. Director of Library, Arts, & Culture for the Miami facility, Cortner says there were 3,400 log-ins in 2019 compared to an eye-popping 65,928 log-ins in 2023. That’s a jump in online traffic of 1,839 percent in just four years’ time.
Even with the spike in technology usage, Cortner assures loyal patrons that there are still plenty of fantastic books available for checkout at the Miami Public Library. And let’s be honest—who doesn’t love curling up with a good hardcover from time to time.
“Libraries play a crucial role in the community by not only providing books and materials for borrowing, but also access to a variety of online resources,” said Cortner. “At our facility we have witnessed a significant rise in the number of individuals utilizing our these assets.”
Cortner said some of the most popular online resources include: Heritage Quest, Online Newspapers & Magazines, JobNow, HelpNow, VetNow, Website Visits, Area Job Opportunities Page, and the Ottawa County Community Connections Page.
It’s really just a matter of staying current by adapting to the needs of the community, says Cortner.
“By promoting our services—as well as word of mouth from patrons—we’ve successfully expanded our visibility within the community.”
BOLT Fiber Optic Services proudly serves the Miami Public Library, as well as many other community institutions across northeast Oklahoma, with high-speed broadband internet service.
Speed and reliability are hallmarks of the BOLT brand. Cortner says those features are now non-negotiables for the library.
“It is crucial for our library to have reliable internet since we are one of the few places where patrons can access high-speed broadband,” she said. “Virtual students rely on our facilities for testing since they face issues with buffering and disconnections at home, which disrupt their exams. Daily, patrons seek assistance in applying for various services like WIC, housing, and health insurance.”
Cortner says the library collaborates with public service organizations such as the health department to inform their clients that they can utilize free internet and receive support. Additionally, enrolling children in programs like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, and 100 Books Before Graduation, is a regular activity. These literacy initiatives necessitate internet access for participation.
“The 1000 Books and 100 Books programs involve regularly logging of reading progress online,” Cortner said. “Our Excel High School program for adults also relies on internet connectivity. To support students in this program, the library provides laptops and hot spots to those in need.”
Again, says Cortner, it all boils down to adapting to the needs of the community. Patron use of electronic holdings continues to increase while use of material holdings continues to diminish.
“The state adds titles to our consortium database, and we add in requested electronic titles as we are able,” Cortner said.
She added: “We frequently use the #MoreThanYourGrandmasLibrary hashtag to highlight our modern approach. We strive to be more than just a traditional library by evolving into the community’s hub of information. Our aim is to assist individuals in finding the right resources to address their inquiries. From financial literacy resources covering budgeting and taxes to job support services such as JobNow and Area Job Opportunities, we continuously broaden our range of resources to meet the community’s needs—all provided free of charge.”
Yet another benefit to the community is the money the library saves its patrons who use MPL materials. That amount has grown from $345,547 in 2020 to $534,495 in 2023.
“Every item in our system is assigned a retail value,” explained Cortner. “Every time that item is checked out, the system tallies the total the patron would have spent had they purchased the item, excluding taxes.”
Wave Rural Connect bridging the digital divide across eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas
Wave Rural Connect (WAVE) recently named its 25,000th customer to sign up for fiber to the home. Established in 2018 as an Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative Corporation (AVECC) subsidiary, WAVE has been committed to bridging the digital divide in the Arkansas and Oklahoma River Valley. Since connecting the first home in 2019, WAVE has expanded across the AVECC service territory, including in AVECC’s Oklahoma service territory, covering rural homes in Sequoyah, La Flore, and Adair counties.
Since WAVE began entering homes, the impact on rural residents across the AVECC service territory has been exponential. AVECC and WAVE leaders reflected on WAVE’s impact on our members, their families, and their quality of life.
Director of Engineering and Operations Barret Ewing stated, “Five years ago when we connected the first rural home to our fiber broadband service, it was life-changing. Not just to that member but to all of our members. It gave our members hope that a desperately needed service was coming. Twenty-five thousand connected homes later, communities have been changed, the digital divide has been bridged, and opportunities have been ignited. Thank you to our members for being part of this journey, believing in this common goal of a more connected tomorrow, and for their patience. Together, we are changing the communities we serve.”
WAVE General Manager Ben Roe stated, “WAVE is beyond proud that over 25,000 of our members have chosen us to provide their services. Our mission has been to provide the most reliable and affordable fiber optic services to members of the communities we all live in. Along with the invested members, our local communities have been empowered to access education, telemedicine, and work-from-home opportunities that were once unattainable and that have significantly impacted their lives. We sincerely thank everyone for their continued business and support.”
Director of Technology and Communications Brandon Fisher stated, “As we celebrate reaching 25,000 sign-ups for WAVE fiber internet, we’re not just marking a milestone; we’re celebrating a transformative leap forward for the River Valley. Broadband isn’t just about connectivity but empowerment, opportunity, and bridging the digital divide. Our cooperative’s commitment to delivering high-speed internet isn’t just about wires and data; it’s about connecting communities, empowering businesses, and enriching lives. I want to thank our members who have invested in this vision and thank you for your trust and partnership. We’re building a brighter, more connected future for all.”
The WAVE buildout is projected to be completed later this year, giving all AVECC members access to broadband internet.
Janice Williams, Executive Director of the Haskell County Chamber of Commerce and Cookson Hills member
Cookson Hills Connect recently reached a milestone in its commitment to bring high-speed fiber internet and phone services to rural households and businesses in eastern Oklahoma. With the recent completion of a fiber construction project that began in 2021, all 14,738 Cookson Hills Electric Cooperative members now have access to fiber from Cookson Hills Connect. Over 6,000 services have been placed in less than three years, and that number continues to grow each day.
What was only a dream for so many is now a welcome reality for members like Janice Williams, Executive Director of the Haskell County Chamber of Commerce. “I have seen the benefit from the economic development perspective and as an individual member of Cookson Hills Electric. One of the first questions that business site selection companies ask is if our industrial park has high-speed internet, and I am happy to tell them yes.”, says Williams. “I not only benefited from it at work, but I was equally excited to learn that it would be available at my home, too. I now can upload large files and communicate after normal business hours from my home with government officials, chamber members, and site selectors looking for places to begin a business, and this was not an option before getting service from Cookson Hills Connect.”
With millions of dollars invested in the project, an estimated 33,000 people who make up the member households at Cookson Hills Electric will benefit from this venture. “We knew it would be a challenging yet rewarding experience, but watching it happen and hearing all of the positive feedback from our members has been even more incredible than I could have imagined.”, says Juli Orme, CEO of Cookson Hills Connect. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each member for their patience and support in this endeavor.”
Electric cooperatives continue holding dear to their cooperative principles as they expand into building world-class infrastructures across the state of Oklahoma. The type of materials, technology, and equipment might differ from that used by cooperatives some 80 years ago, but the commitment to serve people remains unchanged. After all, it’s about our people.
OEC Fiber proudly takes its roots from the rich history of cooperatives. Born from the legacy of Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (OEC) in 2018, it shares the values and expectations of cooperatives nationwide.
Cooperatives differ from investor-owned utilities. They are owned by the people they serve. Many started with just a few people banding together to try and make life better for themselves and those around them. This commitment to improving lives traces back over eighty years when local individuals pioneered rural electrification in Oklahoma.
In the 1930s, rural areas faced challenges in accessing electricity. Larger power companies hesitated to bring them electricity because of the cost associated with extending their electric lines. Imagine what life would look like without electricity–no lights or refrigeration and only wood-burning stoves to cook with or heat your home. It was a difficult existence.
Farmers from Cleveland and McClain counties decided they wanted better. They joined forces to solve the issue. This led to the birth of Oklahoma Intra-County Electric Cooperative on January 12, 1937, later renamed OEC.
Fast forward to the present century, internet access has become the transformative utility of the current century that electricity was in the last. Internet access allows families to enhance their lives in ways a group of farmers in the 1930s could never have imagined. Working and learning from home. Virtual medical appointments. The list goes on. By having Wi-Fi in the home, families blow open the doors of opportunity.
Yet, not everyone enjoys the blessing of equal access to this life-changing service. Even in Norman, Oklahoma’s third-largest city, some families lacked home internet access. This was unacceptable.
Once again, the cooperative spirit rose to address the community’s needs. OEC conducted a feasibility study in 2017 to see what it would take to bring internet service to their members. The report said it would take five to seven years to complete. OEC Fiber initiated construction in April 2018 and connected the first subscriber to the internet in February 2019. What was supposed to take five to seven years became history in the making, taking a fraction of the time expected to establish service.
Today, OEC Fiber proudly serves over 38,000 subscribers. Despite its different name, it embodies the same commitment to community. OEC Fiber goes the extra mile to ensure that everyone can have the internet they need for a better quality of life. Drawing inspiration from the rich history and core principles of cooperatives, OEC Fiber has positioned itself at the forefront of a movement that will only continue to grow, making life better for all Oklahomans.
