The Oklahoma Broadband Office's statewide broadband listening tour is coming to Poteau for a meeting at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Center, and state officials are asking you to take part.
The "Let's Get Digital: Oklahoma Broadband Tour" is passing through 17 cities and towns to gather public input for a five-year plan to connect the entire state to high-speed internet. The tour began on May 8 and will continue through June 23 with meetings in all four corners and points in-between of Oklahoma.
Data shows more than 800,000 Oklahomans currently lack access to dependable high-speed internet service in Oklahoma. That's more than one-in-five Oklahoma residents.
"Access to affordable and reliable high-speed internet service has become a necessity," Oklahoma Broadband Office Executivew Director Mike Sanders said. "Our mission is to ensure every family, student, business, farmer and tribal community in Oklahoma has that access. A key priority to ensure our mission is successful is to hear from and talk with Oklahomans who lack adequate service today. We welcome anyone with questions or concerns, or who wants to learn more about our efforts to attend one of the meetings."
Residents, business owners, farmers and ranchers, leaders, members of tribal communities and representatives for schools, hospitals, nonprofits and other community organizations are encouraged to attend.
For questions regarding the broadband listening tour, the public is encouraged to e-mail or call M.J. Barton, Tribal and Programs Outreach Manager, Oklahoma Broadband Office, atÂ
mj.barton@broadband.ok.gov or call (405) 517-2393.
