OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board today awarded $53.4 million in federal grants to five internet service providers for 19 middle mile infrastructure projects.
The total investment for the program is expected to be $89.6 million when $36.2 million in matching funds from awarded companies is included.
Funded through the ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, the projects will help reach hard to serve last-mile connections including homes, businesses and Community Anchor Institutions.
Broadband middle-mile infrastructure is the network that connects major internet hubs to local networks. It is much like a highway system for the internet. It gets the internet close enough so local providers can finish the last-mile connections to neighborhoods.
Highlighting the importance of strategic infrastructure investment, Broadband Governing Board Chairman Jim Meek emphasized the value of middle-mile funding in reaching hard to serve areas of the state.
“Investing in middle-mile infrastructure is a priority for rural Oklahoma, connecting our underserved communities to the backbone of the internet,” said Meek. “Our focus remains on the areas in most need of service availability. These projects lay the foundation for lasting economic growth, educational access and improved healthcare across the state.”
Oklahoma Broadband Office Executive Director Mike Sanders underscored the economic and collaborative benefits of middle-mile investments.
“Middle-mile funding is a smart investment that lowers costs and creates new opportunities for broadband expansion in rural Oklahoma,” said Sanders. “It’s the result of strong statewide collaboration and a shared commitment to ensuring every community can compete and grow in the digital age.”
Competition for middle mile grants was open in March and April. The office received 72 proposals requesting $224 million. Due to high demand, only 24 cents was awarded for every dollar requested. The awarded providers will have until October 2026 to complete the projects.
The office is already overseeing more than $750 million in broadband expansion projects. At least one project is now slated to be built in 59 of the state’s 77 counties. Including today’s action, more than 180 projects have been awarded to provide high-speed internet access to some 70,000 homes and businesses.
Competitive applications are currently being accepted for $768 million in BEAD grants to complete the buildout of high-speed internet access throughout the state.
The Oklahoma Legislature created the broadband office in 2022 to oversee the administration of federal broadband grants.
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For more information contact:
Tim Allen, Director of Communications & Media Relations
405-205-4929
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