Broadband Expansion Project Breaks Ground in Eastern Oklahoma, Bringing New Opportunities to Rural Families and Businesses

OKAY, Okla. – Rural eastern Oklahoma is one step closer to closing the digital divide. State leaders gathered near the town of Okay today to celebrate the launch of a $1.5 million broadband expansion project that will deliver high-speed fiber internet to 108 homes and businesses in Wagoner County.

The project is made possible through a partnership between the Oklahoma Broadband Office (OBO) and Lake Region Technology & Communications. It is funded by $756,000 in federal broadband grants administered by OBO, matched dollar-for-dollar by Lake Region.

Awarded last year by the Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board, this investment is part of a broader statewide effort to ensure that rural Oklahomans are not left behind in the modern economy.

“This expansion is about giving opportunity to families, farmers, and small businesses in Wagoner County,” said Oklahoma Broadband Office Executive Director Mike Sanders. “High-speed internet brings education, healthcare, and economic growth within reach, ensuring our rural communities can thrive for generations to come.”

“This build is another example of our ongoing commitment to deliver high-quality, high-speed internet to underserved areas,” said Larry Mattes, Director of Marketing at Lake Region Technology & Communications. “We appreciate the Oklahoma Broadband Office and its team for selecting Lake Region for this funding opportunity, which allows us to expand service in the areas south of Okay and Porter. Reliable internet access is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity—and we’re proud to help bridge that digital divide for our local rural residents.”

Local legislators, federal and tribal representatives, municipal officials, and community leaders attended the announcement, underscoring the importance of broadband access as essential infrastructure for rural prosperity.

This Wagoner County build is one of more than 180 high-speed internet projects underway across Oklahoma. To date, the Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board has awarded approximately $525 million in grants. When matched by private investment from internet service providers, the total value of these projects exceeds $840 million.

At least one broadband expansion project is slated for 59 of the state’s 77 counties, with more than 69,000 homes and businesses already approved for service. With tens of thousands of remaining locations set to be reached through OBO-administered programs, the state remains on pace to fulfill its mission of statewide broadband coverage.

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For more information:

Oklahoma Broadband Office
Tim Allen, Director of Communications & Media Relations
tim.allen@broadband.ok.gov
(405) 205-4929

Lake Region Technology & Communications
Larry Mattes, Director of Marketing & Member Services
lmattes@lrecok.coop
(918) 772-2526 x6942