With millions of dollars in national funding, the Oklahoma Broadband Office plans to roll out high-speed online throughout the state.
The Oklahoma Broadband Office’s Executive Director, Mike Sanders, and News On 6 sat down to talk about the country’s efforts to expand broadband and the difficulties they face.
Q: At this time, what is the Oklahoma Broadband Office working on?
Sander: We’re tackling the issue of online deserts in Oklahoma. Our goal is to change that because many places also lack trusted broadband access. This is part of a multi-year initiative, and we’re collaborating with national partners to roll out bandwidth in stages.
Q: How much money is being allocated for this job, and when will it be distributed?
Sanders: Last year, we approved more than$ 500 million for internet providers to extend high-speed service across Oklahoma. In 2025, we’re set to honor over$ 750 million to help develop the necessary equipment. We’ll get focusing on the most distant and high-cost areas first, especially for fibers assembly
Q: What problems are you facing in this endeavor?
Smith: Our biggest difficulties include navigating the permitting process, addressing climate concerns, and preserving traditional territory sites. Additionally, there is a shortage of skilled laborers, such as grain splicers and cutters. To address this issue, we’re collaborating closely with profession tech schools nationwide and institutions like OSU-IT in Okmulgee to train the workplace we need.
Q: How are you addressing the labor lack?
Sanders: We’re working with educational institutions to ensure that we have the necessary skills to use wifi technology. By working with schools, we’re ensuring that there are trained and prepared people who can throw fiber and create the infrastructure needed for broadband access.
Q: Is the federal government involved in this project?
Sanders: Well, working with the federal government may slow things down at times, but we’re committed to keeping projects moving quickly to stay on schedule. This national assistance is crucial for reaching those regions that have struggled for years.
Q: You you tell us more about the effects of last year’s money?
Smith: Last month, the cash we allocated helped bring high-speed online to around 70, 000 homes and businesses across the state. We’re seeing real progress, and that speed is something we plan to build on with this year’s jobs.
Q: What is the latest development on broadband access in Oklahoma?
Sanders: According to the most recent FCC image, Oklahoma ranks fourth in the nation for removing homes and businesses from the underprivileged list for wifi access. With the money and projects planned for 2025, we’re making significant progress, and we anticipate that these numbers will increase.
Q: What is Oklahomans believe next?
Sanders: By the end of the summer or the beginning of the fall, we hope to release certain projects across the state. The goal is to ensure that more societies gain access to reliable, high-speed online as quickly as possible.
Q: How does people and online companies get involved?
Smith: Internet companies in low-access places can now apply for national funds to help provide broadband to those areas. The more alliances we form, the more coverage spaces can be filled.