VETERANS’ COLONY – Five grant projects totaling $11.4 million for high-speed internet expansion were officially launched Friday morning in Veterans’ Colony in Latimer County by the Oklahoma Broadband Office (OBO) and AT&T Oklahoma.
The projects, funded through federal grants administered by the OBO coupled with additional funding from AT&T, will connect 2,760 homes and businesses with broadband internet using fiber optic technology. The awards were made last year by the Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board.
Friday’s event provides examples of the progress being made statewide to get high-speed internet access to all Oklahomans. AT&T Oklahoma projects are scheduled in Alfalfa, Bryan, Marshall, Wagoner and Latimer counties.
The $2.4 million Latimer County project will connect 455 homes and businesses to high-speed internet, including 213 locations, or 85 percent of home and business, in Veterans’ Colony.
OBO and AT&T Oklahoma officials, along with local legislators and tribal and municipal officials attended the event.
"Today's launch marks more than the rollout of fiber – it's the foundation of opportunity, growth, and connection for every corner of Oklahoma,” said OBO Executive Director Mike Sanders. “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."
“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.”
Grants of more than $500 million were awarded in 2024 by the Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board. When matching funds of at least 25 percent from the internet service providers building the projects are added, the total investment is more than $625 million.
At least one project is slated to be built in 57 of the state’s 77 counties. Approximately 180 projects have been awarded to provide high-speed access to more than 70,000 homes and businesses.
ISPs are now competing for more than $750 million in additional grant funds 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.
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For more information:
Tim Allen, Director of Communications & Media Relations
tim.allen@broadband.ok.gov
(405) 205-4929
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