Closing the Broadband Availability Gap and Support the Development of a Five-Year Action Plan

Description

Purpose: The Purpose of This Grant Is to Support Closing the Broadband Availability Gap and Support the Development of a Five-Year Action Plan.the Proposed Project Includes the Following Planning and Pre-Deployment Activities: Research and Data Collection, Including Initial Identification of Unserved Locations and Underserved Locations Consistent with Rules, Regulations, and Processes Commission Has Established for Making Determinations in Broadband Data Maps; the Development of a Preliminary Budget for Pre-Planning Activities; Reasonable Post-Nofo, Pre-Award Expenses <$100,000 Relating to Preparation of Program Submissions or Adding Additional Capacity in Preparation for Bead Program; Establishing, Operating, or Increasing Capacity of a Broadband Office That Oversees Broadband Programs and Broadband Deployment in an Eligible Entity; and Conducting Surveys of Unserved, Underserved, and Underrepresented Communities to Better Understand Barriers to Adoption.expected Outcomes: The Outcomes of Oklahoma's Proposed Project "Oklahoma Bead Program" Are a Comprehensive, Informed Five-Year Action Plan Identifying Oklahoma's Broadband Access, Affordability, Equity, and Adoption Needs and Serving as a Benchmark for Adopting Strategies, Goals, and Initial Measures for Connecting All Residents of Oklahoma with Reliable Broadband Service; and Ensuring All Residents of Oklahoma Have Access to Reliable, Affordable, and High-Speed Internet. More Specific Outcomes Include Greater Capacity and the Creation of a More Comprehensive Plan and Future Project Deliverables; Better Informed, Prepared Staff, Partners, and Other Stakeholders Contributing to a More Collaborative, Cohesive Plan.intended Beneficiaries: The Intended Beneficiaries Are Unserved and Underserved Groups in the State of Oklahoma with a Focus on Rural and Unserved Populations.subrecipient Activities: The Recipient Does Not Intend to Subaward Funds.