LONE WOLF – Twenty projects totaling $39.6 million for high-speed internet expansion in 14 counties were officially launched Friday morning in Lone Wolf by the Oklahoma Broadband Office (OBO) and internet service provider Resound Networks.
The projects, funded through $21.1 million in federal grants administered by the OBO coupled with $18.5 million in matching contributions from Resound, will connect 5,226 homes and businesses with broadband internet using a combination of fiber optic and fixed wireless technology.
The awards were made last year by the Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board for high-speed internet expansion in Canadian, Comanche, Custer, Jackson, Kiowa, Lincoln, Major, Marshall, Noble, Nowata, Pontotoc, Roger Mills, Stephens, and Washita counties.
Friday’s event exemplifies the progress being made statewide to get high-speed internet access to all Oklahomans.
The FCC National Broadband Map shows the $3.1 million Lone Wolf project will connect 187 locations and result in availability of high-speed internet service throughout the Kiowa County community.
OBO and Resound officials, along with local legislators, federal officials and municipal officials attended the event.
"Today's launch marks more than the rollout of broadband infrastructure – 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 communities thrive, and prosperity abounds." said OBO Executive Director Mike Sanders.
“At Resound Networks, we believe every community—no matter how small or remote—deserves access to the tools that power modern life. Today’s groundbreaking in Lone Wolf is more than just the start of a construction project; it’s a promise to the people of Oklahoma that we’re here to deliver reliable, high-speed internet where it’s needed most. We’re proud to partner with the Oklahoma Broadband Office to bridge the digital divide and invest in the future of rural communities across this great state,” said Tyson Curtis, CEO, Resound Networks.
Grants of some $500 million were awarded in 2024 by the Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board. When matching funds from the internet service providers building the projects are added, the total investment is more than $750 million.
At least one project is slated to be built in 57 of the state’s 77 counties. Approximately 170 projects have been awarded to provide high-speed access to some 70,000 homes and businesses.
ISPs are now competing for more than $768 million in additional grant funds through the 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.
# # #
For more information:
Oklahoma Broadband Office
Tim Allen, Director of Communications & Media Relations
tim.allen@broadband.ok.gov
(405) 205-4929
Resound Networks
Misti Willock, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships
misti.willock@resoundnetworks.com
(405) 777-9083
|
