Reinforcing USDA’s commitment to connecting rural America to the global economy, Oklahoma USDA Rural Development State Director Ryan McMullen, cut the ribbon on a new high-speed internet network, projected to serve more than 4,000 rural Oklahoma residents, many of them Native American, and 1,400 businesses.
The Oklahoma-owned company, @Atlink, that secured the funding for the project, hosted the event at the site of the completion of their first of thirty towers. The new, vast network will span from I-35 near Ardmore, to the northeast to Sapulpa, while covering sprawling areas between Pauls Valley and Muskogee. @Atlink secured $8 million for this project through the USDA Broadband Initiatives Program. The funding for their loan/grant combination was provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The investment in this critical infrastructure is likely to yield immeasurable benefits in terms of economic development, communication, and modern technological conveniences. To learn more about USDA’s broadband program and how it can be used to improve service in your rural community click here.
