Oklahoma Broadband Board Approves Grants to Expand High-Speed Internet to Western Oklahoma

2-638

October 11, 2024

The Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board has approved over $158 million in grants to bring reliable, affordable high-speed internet to around 28,000 homes and businesses across the state. Notably, key projects include grants awarded to Resound Networks and Dobson Fiber, which will benefit several communities in Western Oklahoma:

Resound Networks Butler FTTH: $1,133,130.60

Resound Networks Corn FTTH: $1,364,735.00

Resound Networks Burns Flat FTTH: $2,063,047.56

Dobson Fiber Washita County: $239,978.50

Dobson Fiber Jackson County: $73,619.25

These grants, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act Capital Projects Fund (ARPA CPF), are part of a larger effort to expand high-speed internet across 28 counties, with 12 internet service providers (ISPs) receiving awards. The projects are matched by over $109 million in funds from the ISPs themselves.

Dr. Jim Meek, chair of the board, praised the collaboration between the Oklahoma Broadband Office (OBO) and the ISPs, saying, “These grants will greatly improve internet access, enhancing economic opportunities and quality of life for tens of thousands of Oklahomans.”

This is the second tranche of broadband funding this year, bringing the total awards from ARPA CPF and ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to over $500 million. These funds will extend high-speed internet access to more than 66,000 locations in 57 of the state’s 77 counties.

OBO Executive Director Mike Sanders emphasized the long-term impact, noting that these grants will provide internet access to nearly 40% of the state’s unserved and underserved homes and businesses. “We’re moving closer to ensuring every Oklahoman has the internet access necessary to thrive in today’s digital world.”

The latest awards will soon be followed by the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, which will allocate more than $750 million in grants to further expand high-speed internet across Oklahoma.

Copyright 2024 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.

2604221310_1333520

Elk City Public Schools Honors Staff of the Year

Elk City, OK — Elk City Public Schools recognized two standout employees during a professional development day last Friday, naming its 2025–2026 Support Staff and Teacher of the Year. Superintendent Mike Sparks said the annual awards highlight

2604221100_1156469

Old Town Museum is Getting New Look

Elk City, OK – An Elk City landmark is showing its true colors. According to museum curator Anna Wray, the Old Town Museum has undergone lots of structural work from top to bottom, and this is being

2604220814_1581491

SWOSU Names Gerry & Phyllis Church Scholar

Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has named Danni Sottile of Elk City, Oklahoma as the Dr. Gerry & Phyllis Church Scholar for Academic Year 2025-2026. Sottile is a senior majoring in Mathematics Education. The

2604170858_333085

Two Injured in Jackson County Crash on U.S. 283

Jackson County, OK – Two drivers were injured in a two-vehicle collision Thursday morning along U.S. Highway 283, approximately 10 miles south of Altus, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The crash occurred at approximately 11:15 a.m.

2604161159_1965639

Coordinated Effort Leads to Arrest in Threat Case

Sayre, OK – A coordinated response between local law enforcement agencies helped prevent a potentially dangerous situation in Beckham County, according to Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning. Sheriff Manning said his office assisted the Mangum Police Department