NTIA approves Oklahoma for broadband expansion program

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) approved Oklahoma's Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) proposal on Thursday to expand high-speed internet access throughout the state.

NTIA awarded Oklahoma with $797.4 million towards the BEAD program and will be used for funding last mile connections on unserved and underserved homes and businesses.

“This action culminates many months of intensive planning and stakeholder engagement to ensure we can bridge the digital divide in this state once and for all,” said Oklahoma Broadband Office Executive Director Mike Sanders. “Our office will continue to ensure this money goes directly to areas that don’t have high-speed internet access.”

A challenge process, which was already approved earlier this year, will first be administered and determines what locations in Oklahoma are eligible for funding.

Following the challenge process will be the subgrantee award process where internet service providers (ISPs) will bid on NETs and multiple candidate pools will be created in order to determine the ranking of applicants.

“This program, along with ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund and Capital Projects Fund, will change the digital landscape of Oklahoma forever,” said Dr. Jim Meek, Chairman of the Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board. “With well over a billion dollars invested across the state, there will be new opportunities for education, health care and local economies.”

For more information or to keep up to date with the Oklahoma Broadband Office visit broadband.ok.gov.