OKC, Ok June, 26 ( The Oklahoma Post) –
The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced that Oklahoma will receive $797,435,691.25 to deploy affordable, reliable high-speed Internet service.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces $797.4 Million to Oklahoma to Deploy High-Speed Internet Infrastructure
WASHINGTON – The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced that Oklahoma will receive $797,435,691.25 to deploy affordable, reliable high-speed Internet service. Right now, 150,718 homes and small businesses in Oklahoma lack access to a high-speed Internet connection.
As part of the “Internet for All” initiative, a key component of President Biden’s “Investing in America” agenda, the President, Vice President, and Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced how much funding from the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five territories will receive.
“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.”
States, D.C., and territories (“Eligible Entities”) will use funding from the BEAD program from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to administer grant programs within their borders.
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.
Details related to the allocation for the states, D.C., and territories are available on InternetForAll.Gov.
Eligible Entities will receive their formal notice of allocation on June 30, 2023. Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Eligible Entities have 180 days from the date of that formal notice to submit their Initial Proposals for how they will run their grant programs. Eligible Entities can begin submitting their Initial Proposals starting July 1, 2023. Once NTIA approves an Initial Proposal, which will occur on a rolling basis, Eligible Entities will be able to access at least 20 percent of their allocated funds.
End Press Release
About the National Telecommunications and Information Administration
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the Executive Branch agency that advises the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA’s programs and policymaking focus largely on expanding broadband Internet access and adoption in America, expanding the use of spectrum by all users, advancing public safety communications, and ensuring that the Internet remains an engine for innovation and economic growth.
View the original transcript here.
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(Press Release The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA); Editing by Robbie Robertson)
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