Bridging the digital divide

How Oklahoma’s electric cooperatives are powering rural connectivity

Decades ago, a single spark changed life in rural Oklahoma. The arrival of electricity lit up homes and powered possibilities for communities once isolated and underserved. Now, another revolution is underway. This time, the goal isn’t light but connection — reliable, high-speed broadband. And once again, Oklahoma’s electric cooperatives are leading the charge.

In an age where the internet drives everything from education to economic growth, rural areas without broadband access risk being left behind. Recognizing this, the Cooperative Broadband Coalition (CBC) has stepped in to bridge the digital divide. Made up of 10 electric cooperatives with fiber subsidiaries, the CBC works to bring high-speed internet to unserved and underserved areas across Oklahoma. Together, these cooperatives manage over 22,000 miles of fiber lines, connecting more than 127,500 homes and impacting the lives of over 318,750 Oklahomans.

“Electric cooperatives exist to serve their members,” Chris Meyers, general manager of the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives (OAEC), says. “This essential service brings a significant positive impact to rural areas.”

That impact is already visible. Recent reports from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as reported in “OK Energy Today” show Oklahoma is making strides in broadband accessibility. Ranked fourth in the nation for reducing the number of homes and businesses without high-speed internet, the state has seen over 58,000 locations removed from the “unserved” list. This progress reflects a 28% drop in locations without high-speed connections, a testament to the power of coordinated efforts and strategic investments. Programs like the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, managed by the Oklahoma Broadband Office (OBO), have played a vital role in this progress.

Two cooperatives exemplify these strides. East Central Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (ECOEC) recently launched a $4.8 million broadband expansion project through its subsidiary ecoLINK. Supported by $2.9 million in ARPA federal grants and $1.9 million in matching funds from ECOEC, this initiative will bring fiber to 265 homes and businesses in Creek County.

“East Central is committed to our mission of ‘serving our members and communities,’” Jeremy Hendrickson, ECOEC vice president of broadband, says. “Rural Oklahomans have been left behind by traditional service providers who haven’t built out reliable, affordable internet service.  We are repeating history 85 years later by bringing a needed service to our rural communities.”

Similarly, BOLT Fiber Optics, a subsidiary of Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative, announced a $40 million expansion fueled by $22 million in ARPA funding and internal investments. This project aims to connect nearly 7,000 additional locations in northeast Oklahoma by 2026, offering residents long-awaited access to high-speed broadband.

“The teamwork involved in making this expansion possible has been remarkable,” says Daniel Webster, CEO of BOLT Fiber Optics. “This project guarantees digital equity and inclusion while solidifying employment and educational opportunities to ensure the continued growth of our communities.”

Each cooperative’s journey is unique. Some have established their own fiber subsidiaries, while others partner with established providers to extend broadband to their rural members. But they all share a common goal: empowering their communities through connectivity. This is the cooperative difference in action, bridging gaps and building futures.   

CBC Members

Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative
Fiber subsidiary: Wave Rural Connect

Canadian Valley Electric Cooperative
Fiber subsidiary: CVEC Fiber

Central Rural Electric Cooperative
Fiber subsidiary: Centranet

Cookson Hills Electric Cooperative
Fiber subsidiary: Cookson Hills Connect

East Central Electric Cooperative
Fiber subsidiary: EcoLink

Indian Electric Cooperative

KAMO Power
Fiber subsidiary: K-Powernet

Lake Region Electric Cooperative
Fiber subsidiary: Lake Region Technology & Communications

Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative
Fiber subsidiary: Bolt Fiber

Oklahoma Electric Cooperative
Fiber subsidiary: OEC Fiber

Ozarks Electric Cooperative
Fiber subsidiary: OzarksGo

Editor’s Note: At the time of publishing, four projects totaling $24.6 million for high-speed internet expansion in north central Oklahoma were officially launched in Wellston by the Oklahoma Broadband Office (OBO) and Central Rural Electric Cooperative’s internet fiber subsidiary, Centranet.

While some co-ops have been able to successfully offer fiber broadband service, this capital-intensive endeavor may not be feasible for every distribution electric co-op in Oklahoma. Every electric co-op is independent and autonomous, and they have different circumstances in their unique service territories. In some cases, fiber services may not make economic sense for a co-op in a way that would benefit all members equitably. When feasible, electric co-ops collaborate and partner with other providers to facilitate this essential service in their service areas.