Oklahoma to Get Nearly $800 Million to Expand its High-Speed Internet Infrastructure

WASHINGTON (KOKH) — Oklahoma will receive almost $800 million to help its high-speed internet infrastructure, the Biden-Harris administration announced on Monday.

The funding is part of the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.

More than 150,000 homes and small businesses in Oklahoma lack access to a high-speed internet connection.

“Thanks to President Biden’s commitment to investing in America and with Governor Stitt’s leadership, we are bringing Internet to every family, business, and Tribe in Oklahoma,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Access to high-speed Internet is essential for education, healthcare and economic opportunity, and this funding will help close the digital divide once and for all.”

The BEAD funding will be used to deploy or upgrade broadband networks to ensure that everyone has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet service.

Once deployment goals are met, any remaining funding can be used on broadband adoption, training, and workforce development efforts, among other eligible uses.