Oklahoma Broadband Office flooded with requests to expand internet access

The Oklahoma Broadband Office, tasked with awarding millions of dollars in federal money to increase access to high-speed internet services, announced companies could apply for $374 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars, but applications totaled $5.1 billion in projects. “The overwhelming response to our request for submissions speaks to the tremendous need for high-speed internet access in rural Oklahoma,” said Office 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.” As many as 728,000 Oklahomans, many of whom live in rural areas, do not have access to affordable, high-speed internet.