AT&T, Cox, 29 Smaller Providers Slated to Share $374 Million In Oklahoma Broadband Funding

The state of Oklahoma has tentatively announced $374 million in broadband funding awards to AT&T, Cox and 29 smaller providers. Funding came through the federal American Rescue Plan Act State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund. Awardees will contribute an additional $90 million to project costs. More than 55,000 locations are expected to get high-speed service. As with many other state broadband funding programs, competition was intense. Applicants requested a total of more than $5.1 billion in funding. Awards were made through the Oklahoma Broadband Office. Cox is slated to take home $84.7 million for 14 awards. AT&T is slated to take home $22.5 million for 10 awards. Other companies winning large amounts of funding include Pine Telephone Company, which is slated to take home $22.5 million for a single award, and Chisholm Broadband, which is slated to receive $21.8 million for 10 awards.