Broadband expansion initiative moving closer to launch

The countdown has begun for Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment, BEAD, the largest high-speed internet expansion effort in Oklahoma history.

Late last week, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced approval of Oklahoma’s Initial Proposal Volume II, which outlines the subgrantee selection process for funding those initiatives. The Oklahoma Broadband Office, which is coordinating the effort, has one year from approval to complete the process and award eligible internet service providers.

“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.

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

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration awarded Oklahoma $797.4 million for its BEAD program. Funding will be used to fund last-mile connections for unserved and underserved homes and businesses, state officials said.

Before the subgrantee award process can begin, the office will administer a challenge process to determine which locations in Oklahoma are eligible for funding. More information about the challenge process will be released in the coming weeks.

Information on the initiative is available through the agency’s website: broadband.ok.gov.