TIAWAH, Okla. (OBV) – The State of Oklahoma is investing tens of millions dollars into high-speed internet expansion projects happening across four counties.
The broadband expansion effort includes eight projects totaling $34.2 million.
Oklahoma Broadband Office (OBO) and internet service provider Atlas Broadband launched the effort in the Rogers County community of Tiawah, earlier this month, according to Oklahoma Broadband Office officials.
“[This] launch marks more than the rollout of fiber broadband – it’s the foundation of opportunity, growth, and connection in every corner of Oklahoma. With each mile of broadband service we extend, we’re not just closing a digital gap; we’re igniting a future where our rural communities thrive, and prosperity abounds,” said OBO Executive Director Mike Sanders.
The Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board awarded Atlas Broadband $17.1 million in federal grant money to expand high-speed internet service in Rogers, Osage, Nowata and Tulsa counties.
“We are extremely grateful to the Oklahoma Broadband Office for their vote of confidence to assist in our mission to bring fiber internet to rural households and businesses in Northeastern Oklahoma,” said Milos Milenkovic, Atlas Owner and CEO.
Atlas Broadband will use the federal funds with their own $17.1 million in matching funds to connect 2,135 homes and businesses with broadband internet using fiber optic technology, Broadband Office officials said.
The Rogers County broadband projects total $10.4 million and will provide high-speed internet connection 619 locations across Justice and Tiawah, which are located southeast of Claremore.
The Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board has awarded around $525 million in grants to internet service providers. Matching funds from those providers has brought the total broadband investment in Oklahoma to more than $840 million.
Broadband expansion is happening across the state, with at least one project in 59 of Oklahoma’s 77 counties. OBO has awarded over 180 projects to bring high-speed access to more than 69,000 homes and businesses.
More than $768 million in additional grant funds offered through the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program (BEAD) program are currently available to internet service providers, according to OBO officials.
