rural broadband

Millions in broadband funding could be further delayed after some companies and board members raised concerns about duplicating efforts in areas of Oklahoma already served by internet service providers.

Oklahoma has nearly $800 million from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to expand broadband access across the state.

Counties in Southeast Oklahoma and the panhandle will receive funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to bring high-speed Internet to rural communities.

The first Monday in February marks the beginning of the Oklahoma legislative session. And Oklahoma lawmakers are gearing up to consider more than 3,000 bills.

State Broadband Office warns billions of dollars towards securing high-speed internet for Oklahomans could be on the line if the Federal Communications Commission doesn’t receive accurate information on current internet access.

More than a dozen Oklahoma counties will receive funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Most of the state’s American Rescue Plan Act money centered on upgrades to broadband internet infrastructure. Oklahoma lawmakers also dedicated $20 million from unallocated funds for drought relief.

Seven Oklahoma counties will receive rural broadband assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Hundreds of thousands of households in Oklahoma are missing out on a chance to lower their monthly internet bill.

Rural areas are often the last to receive broadband. The lack of broadband is similar to another issue that rural communities faced decades ago — rural electrification.