Oklahoma state lawmakers earmark $42 million for rural broadband

State lawmakers are prioritizing expanding broadband in rural parts of Oklahoma. As part of a larger push to increase broadband access, the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year includes $42 million in tax rebates for companies to expand broadband in unserved or underserved rural areas. State Rep Logan Phillips (R-Mound), a prominent advocate for improving broadband infrastructure in Oklahoma since before the pandemic, helped shepherd through the Oklahoma Legislature a package of bills to improve broadband access and set up a framework for the tax incentives and future federal funds. To qualify for a portion of the $42 million in rebates, internet service providers will have to build out infrastructure and offer internet speeds that that are in keeping with standards set by the Federal Communications Commission. Under new legislation, internet service providers will also have to submit maps of their networks to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and the Rural Broadband Expansion Council, which Phillips co-chairs alongside Sen James Leewright (R-Bristow). Phillips also is optimistic the legislature will make the $42 million for rural broadband a recurring item in the annual state budget.