A field of waving hands greeted Oklahoma officials with broadband money to disperse. As KOSU-TV reports, $374 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding is available to applicants ready to deliver digital connectivity to rural Oklahomans. However, the Oklahoma Broadband Office has reported that applications for $5.1 billion in projects has left them with some tough choices.
“The overwhelming response to our request for submissions speaks to the tremendous need for high-speed internet access in rural Oklahoma,” stated Executive Director Mike Sanders. “With almost $14 requested for every $1 available from this first grant program, the competition is strong and that bodes well for ensuring the most efficient use of funds.”
When combined with $167.7 million in pandemic relief funds and $797.4 million from BEAD, the board said it will eventually have a total of $1.3 billion in federal grant money to spend. Applicants who pay their workers above-average wages and hire local people will be given preferential treatment, the board noted.
All projects must conform to accepted industry standards, according to KOSU-TV. The board expects to have projects approved in early 2024, and looks forward to having them completed by the close of 2026. For the approximately 728,000 state residents who currently lack adequate digital connectivity, the investment in broadband should bring all Oklahomans up to speed, according to officials.
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