logo
Login Subscribe
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinion
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinion
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
News
July 6, 2023
Oklahoma to receive $797.4 million for High-Speed Internet Buildout

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Broadband Office (OBO) has been notified it will receive $797.4 million in federal grant funds to expand the state’s broadband infrastructure to provide high-speed internet access statewide.

The funding will come through the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program. When added to other grant funds already announced, the OBO will administer some $1.2 billion to fulfill its five-year mission to provide access to affordable and reliable high-speed internet service to at least 95 percent of Oklahomans.

Governor Kevin Stitt said high-speed internet access is critical to Oklahoma’s future.

“When I came into office, Oklahoma was ranked in the bottom ten for broadband access; we are now taking important steps to fix this,” said Governor Stitt. “I look forward to continuing to work with federal, municipal, and private partners to expand highspeed internet access for Oklahomans all across the state.”

Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell, who serves as a member of the Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board, said this grant will be a game changer for Oklahoma.

“Broadband is essential to economic development and one of the most critical infrastructure challenges of our time,” said Pinnell. “This grant will help us ensure all Oklahomans have access to affordable and reliable internet, so we can continue to grow and thrive as a state.”

OBO Executive Director Mike Sanders said today’s announcement provides a big boost to efforts to connect all Oklahomans to the economy and society of the 21st Century.

“Access to high-speed internet service is no longer a luxury. It has become a necessity,” Sanders said. “Our expansion efforts will provide much-needed access to commerce, health care, and personal communications to all Oklahomans, regardless of whether they live in urban or rural areas.”

The funding for Oklahoma comes from a nationwide allocation of $42.5 billion for the BEAD Program. Each state’s share is based on the number of people who do not have access to high-speed internet service. The latest version of the FCC Broadband Map shows more than 700,000 people – about onein- six Oklahomans – lack such service.

The primary use of BEAD grants will be to fund the construction of fiber optic broadband lines to unserved homes and businesses through a competitive subgrantee process with Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Funds will also be used to help with development of workforce training. Affordability will be addressed by requiring ISPs that participate to offer an affordable high-speed option.

The money will be provided to the OBO over the next few years. Initial funding of some 20 percent is expected in about one year, with the remainder anticipated to be received starting in three years.

About the Oklahoma Broadband Office Oklahoma has launched an aggressive effort to ensure fast and affordable broadband internet service is available throughout the state and the Oklahoma Broadband Office is a key component.

Created by the Legislature in May 2022, the office is on a five-year mission to develop and administer grant programs to make affordable, high-speed internet available to all Oklahomans. It also coordinates efforts throughout the state to ensure broadband expansion is conducted effectively and efficiently.

City of Checotah prepares fireworks and family fun
A: Main, News...
City of Checotah prepares fireworks and family fun
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
June 26, 2025
The City of Checotah is gearing up for the greatest Fourth of July Freedom Fest celebration the community has ever seen. There will be plenty of sights and sounds to see this year during their allday ...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
Ex Pittsburg County jailer charged with attempting to rob Lakeside Pharmacy
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
June 26, 2025
A former Pittsburg County jailer, who was named a Detention Officer of the Year in 2024, has been arrested and charged with attempted robbery with a weapon and child neglect. Jose Kirkes, 33, of McAle...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
Woman barefoot and pulling toy wagon fights officer
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
June 26, 2025
A barefooted 23-year-old Oktaha woman was walking near I-40, pulling a toy wagon missing its front wheels, has been arrested for assault and battery on a police officer, conspiracy to perform an act o...
this is a test
Smelser to become county treasurer July 1
A: Main, News...
Smelser to become county treasurer July 1
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
June 26, 2025
Kimberly Smelser has been first deputy in the McIntosh County Treasurer’s Office since January 2021. On Tuesday, July 1, she will become county treasurer, replacing Betty Whisenhunt, whose final day i...
this is a test
Checotah Alumni to host reunion this weekend
A: Main, News...
Checotah Alumni to host reunion this weekend
June 26, 2025
The Checotah High School Alumni Reunion is finally here and will be two days reminiscing over high school days gone by too quickly. On Friday, June 27, everyone is invited to the Katy Depot to catch u...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
Minor leads lawmen on wild chase
June 26, 2025
A juvenile driving a stolen 2020 white Jeep Compass led lawmen on a chase that exceeded 110 miles per hour on U.S. 69 shortly after midnight on Friday, June 20. After the Eufaula Police Department was...
this is a test
United for Oklahoma
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
Bingo Night blazed a trail for suicide awareness
News
Bingo Night blazed a trail for suicide awareness
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
June 26, 2025
Bingo Night blazed a trail for the Lake Eufaula Out of Darkness Walk on June 12. Many patrons and volunteers came out to help raise money for the walk set for September 20. All the proceeds of the fun...
this is a test
Olivia Shackelford honored with 2025 Youth Prevention Award
News
Olivia Shackelford honored with 2025 Youth Prevention Award
June 26, 2025
On June 5, local student Olivia Shackelford was recognized as the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Youth Prevention Award in Oklahoma City at the Heartland Conference. This award was presented to an ...
this is a test
When death steals a first-class friend
News
When death steals a first-class friend
By LENORE BECHTEL 
June 26, 2025
I may have been the last person—other than her murderer—to talk to Selby Minner before her murder on Monday, June 9. She and I planned to meet that day, but when we talked by phone around 4:30 p.m., w...
this is a test
We celebrate the 250th anniversary of our United States Army
commentary
We celebrate the 250th anniversary of our United States Army
June 26, 2025
We Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of Our United States Army Happy 250th birthday to the United States Army. Thank you to all my many friends and family who bravely served and to all the soldiers toda...
this is a test
Forgiveness for all
commentary
Forgiveness for all
June 26, 2025
Christ paid the ultimate sacrifice to extend forgiveness for all. So God, why is forgiveness so hard? Why do bad things happen to us and those we love? Why is there so much anger and animosity in the ...
this is a test
Facebook
Twitter
Tweets
Twitter
Tweets

MCINTOSH COUNTY DEMOCRAT
300-A S. Broadway
Checotah, OK
74426

(918) 473-2313

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Mcintosh Democrat

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy