Internet for All event taking place in Tulsa, state and federal officials to answer questions
TULSA – The Oklahoma Broadband Office (OBO) is hosting a one-day Internet for All workshop on Wednesday, May 24, with state and federal officials. The event will focus on access, adoption, and use of high-speed internet (broadband) across the state.
“Too many Oklahomans lack the access they need to affordable and reliable high-speed internet service. The internet has become a necessity for education, commerce, government, and more,” OBO Executive Director Mike Sanders said.
“We want to ensure every Oklahoman understands how leadership is tackling this as a state and what funding and programmatic opportunities are available for improving and expanding internet access to all.”
Sanders will be among those attending the Internet for All event. Representatives with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), staff members of the OBO, and others will be on hand to lead the workshop.
The event will take place at the VFW Post 577, located at 1109 East 6th Street from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The day will include a review and update on broadband funding and programs including details that impact Tribal Nations and area workforce needs.
The public is encouraged to register at https://bit.ly/OBO-LetsGetDigital.
The workshop is being held in conjunction with an ongoing statewide tour of communities to gather input for a five-year plan for high-speed internet buildout in Oklahoma. The “Let’s Get Digital: Oklahoma Broadband Tour” began on May 8 and will conclude on June 23. The office is also holding Tribal Consultation meetings with Oklahoma’s Tribal Nations to help coordinate planning.
More than 800,000 Oklahomans currently lack access to high-speed internet service. The OBO will administer federal grant funds through a competitive proposal process from internet service providers to build out the state’s broadband infrastructure.
For questions, the public is encouraged to email or call MJ Barton, OBO Tribal & Programs Outreach Manager, at mj.barton@broadband.ok.gov or (405) 517-2393.
About the Oklahoma Broadband Office
Oklahoma has launched an aggressive effort to ensure fast and affordable broadband internet service is available throughout the state and the Oklahoma Broadband Office is a key component.
Created by the Legislature in May 2022, the office is on a five-year mission to develop and administer grant programs to make affordable, high-speed internet available to all Oklahomans. It also coordinates efforts throughout the state to ensure broadband expansion is conducted effectively and efficiently.
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For more information contact:
Tim Allen, Director of Policy & Communications
tim.allen@broadband.ok.gov
Mobile: 405-205-4929
