LATIMER COUNTY, Okla. (OBV) — The Oklahoma Broadband Office and AT&T Oklahoma are investing millions of dollars to launch high-speed internet expansion projects in five counties across the state.
The effort encompasses five grant projects totaling $11.4 million. The Broadband Office is administering the grants and AT&T is contributing additional funds, according to state officials.
The projects will use fiber optic technology to connect 2,760 homes and businesses with broadband internet. The effort launched in Veterans’ Colony in Latimer County on Friday.
“Today’s launch marks more than the rollout of fiber – it’s the foundation of opportunity, growth, and connection for every corner of Oklahoma,” OBO Executive Director Mike Sanders said on Friday. “With every mile of broadband we extend, we’re not just closing a digital gap; we’re igniting a future where our communities prosper and thrive.”
The Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board awarded the grants last year.
Providing Veterans’ Colony high-speed internet is the latest in a statewide effort to give all Oklahomans high-speed internet access.
In addition to Latimer County, the AT&T Oklahoma high-speed internet expansion projects are scheduled in Alfalfa, Bryan, Marshall and Wagoner counties.
The Latimer County project is investing $2.4 million into Veterans’ Colony, connecting 455 homes and businesses to high-speed internet, including 213 locations, which makes up 85 percent of the area’s homes and businesses.
“I’d like to thank Director Sanders and the OBO for creating such a positive framework that allows companies like AT&T to make these types of investments, that otherwise might not be possible. Our work with the OBO will help us connect more Oklahomans to greater possibility,” said Steve Hahn, president, AT&T Oklahoma. “Connectivity is vital for Oklahomans of all ages, so we’re glad we can provide more access to connectivity to those who need it the most.”
The Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board awarded more than $500 million in grants in 2024. The total investment comes to more than $625 million when matching funds of at least 25 percent from the internet service providers building the projects are added.
Oklahoma Broadband has awarded approximately 180 projects to provide high-speed access to more than 70,000 homes and businesses, according to state officials.
More than $750 million in additional grant funds are available through the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program.
“With tens of thousands of locations to be served through OBO administered programs, the office is on pace to complete its mission of achieving statewide coverage,” Oklahoma Broadband Office officials said.
