Lt. Governor Pinnell Applauds House Passage Of Bill To Expand Rural Broadband Coverage

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Mariah.Carter@ltgov.ok.gov

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell commends the Oklahoma House of Representatives for passing House Bill 3363, known as the Rural Broadband Expansion Act. The bill, coauthored by McCall, Boles, and Phillips, proposes a plan to get 95% of Oklahomans broadband coverage in the next five years.

“If there’s anything the pandemic has taught us, it’s that reliable internet is fundamental to any community,” said Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell. “An estimated 25% of the state’s population doesn’t have internet service. This is not just a quality of life issue; it’s an economic development issue as well. I applaud our House members for their commitment to providing the 1.3 million people living in rural Oklahoma with high-speed internet.”

The proposed bill creates the Oklahoma Broadband Office, which would distribute all funding available for broadband expansion by 2028. The office would be led by a nine-member executive board, including Lt. Governor Pinnell, and be fully funded with administrative allowances from federal funds.

HB 3363 is expected to be heard on the Senate floor soon, where it will be sponsored by Senator Greg Treat. More information can be found on the Oklahoma State Legislature website.

For press inquiries, please contact the Lt. Governor’s office at 405-521-2161.