The Cooperative Broadband Coalition brought together broadband leaders, policymakers and innovators from across the country to explore the future of rural connectivity at MidAmerica Connect Broadband Summit on March 24-25, 2026, in Oklahoma City. The two-day event took place at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Oklahoma City Northwest and attracted 150 attendees representing electric cooperatives, telecommunications providers, tribal nations and government agencies.

The 2026 summit featured author, keynote speaker and Oklahoma-native Brittany Hodak, along with a lineup of industry experts and thought leaders. Sessions covered a wide range of topics shaping the broadband landscape, including network operations, artificial intelligence, marketing, finance and smart grid technology.

Oklahoma Broadband Office Executive Director Mike Sanders gave an update on the state of broadband in Oklahoma, and Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur discussed the benefits of broadband to the ag sector.

In addition to keynote presentations, attendees heard panel discussions and attended networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration and share best practices for expanding high-speed internet access in rural communities. The event highlighted the critical role broadband plays in economic development, education, healthcare and grid modernization.

The CBC unites 11 electric cooperatives with fiber subsidiaries in the state of Oklahoma. Collectively, these cooperatives have built more than 23,000 miles of fiber and serve 330,000 Oklahomans in rural areas. This is a significant achievement and investment in the quality of life for rural Oklahoma and the state’s economy. Visit cooperativebroadband.coop for more information.