Oklahoma broadband leaders forge ahead despite federal uncertainties

Recent federal funding changes have paused some programs or grants but the Oklahoma Broadband Office appears to be in good shape. In 2025, the office awarded more than 180 projects amounting to over $500 million in grants for broadband infrastructure projects across the state. Broadband officials are gearing up for more projects this year. Mike Sanders, executive director of the Oklahoma Broadband Office, said the contracts are signed for the monies delivered last year from the American Rescue Plan Act through the State and Local Recovery Funds and the Capital Projects Funds, and won’t be touched. Another expected $750 million dollar pot of money for infrastructure projects through the Broadband, Equity Access and Deployment program he said is also expected to come through still.