Cotton County Oklahoma

Justification: Having broadband access is essential for communities to fully participate in the opportunities available in our AI-driven future. As noted in the Executive Summary, 5.6% of homes still lack access to a reliable, high-speed internet connection. By building strong partnerships, pursuing investments in local and regional infrastructure, and maintaining key relationships with industry and regional and state broadband entities, Cotton County can continue to close infrastructure gaps in the community.

Strategic Actions:

1.       Build and maintain relationships with local internet service providers and other digital infrastructure entities that conduct or are interested in conducting business in the County.

Cotton County should maintain regular communication with internet service providers operating in or considering expansion in the county. Ongoing dialogue helps align provider plans with local needs and fosters collaboration.

Key activities include:

• Staying informed about planned expansions and construction timelines
• Sharing local priorities and areas of need
• Exploring public-private partnerships where appropriate
• Ensuring providers can easily access county information and points of contact

Creating a business-friendly environment with clear processes and responsive communication can help attract and support broadband investment.

2.       Monitor and pursue federal, state, and local funding opportunities to maximize investment in local broadband infrastructure projects.

Cotton County should actively monitor federal, state, and local funding programs that support broadband infrastructure and be prepared to act when opportunities arise. This includes staying informed about application deadlines, eligibility requirements, and program priorities, and coordinating with internet service providers, regional partners, and state agencies to strengthen applications and align projects with local needs. By taking a proactive, coordinated approach to funding, the county can maximize available resources, support broadband expansion, and accelerate progress toward reliable internet access for all residents.

Several active broadband deployment initiatives are underway at the state and federal levels. While many have already awarded grants and are beginning to build networks, the county should monitor current and future funding opportunities. Current programs, such as the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, and projects funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, are deploying networks in communities across the state. Cotton County should explore effective ways to support ISPs that are considering buildouts in the community. This may involve collaborating with and assisting ISPs seeking federal and state funding.

Additional funding sources, such as the U.S. Economic Development Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, offer opportunities to expand broadband. Funding guides are linked in the resource section. Capitalizing on this once-in-a-generation funding opportunity will help ensure that Cotton County residents enjoy faster and more reliable broadband for years to come.

Resources

The Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF)  

The FCC High-Cost program: CAF -ACAM

Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, Allocation by County

ARPA SLFRF, Final Rule

BroadbandUSA: Federal Funding Guide

Guide to Federal Broadband Funding Opportunities in the U.S.

Lifeline Program

Justification: Access to the internet alone is not enough. Residents also need skills, devices, and support to use technology in ways that meet their needs. Strengthening digital skills helps people access education, healthcare, jobs, and services, while also supporting local businesses and community organizations.

Strategic Actions:

1.       Partner with trusted organizations to offer digital skills training.

Cotton County should collaborate with local and regional organizations and institutions to offer free digital literacy classes that boost confidence, engagement, and participation online throughout the county. Equipping residents with essential digital skills to safely navigate online platforms and applications is vital to ensuring everyone in the community benefits from investments in technology and digital infrastructure. As technology continues to evolve, introductory training on basic artificial intelligence (AI) tools—such as how AI can support job searches, learning, and everyday tasks—should also be included to help residents use emerging technologies responsibly and effectively.

Curriculum can be drawn from county-developed materials and trusted, publicly available resources. Classes may be hosted in familiar accessible locations such as schools, libraries, churches, community centers, or other shared spaces, and promoted through local media and community networks. Building digital skills helps residents access education, healthcare, employment, and civic information, while also strengthening the county. A more digitally connected and informed population supports economic growth, improves service delivery, and enhances overall community resilience.

Workshop topics can include:

• Computer and internet basics
• How to teleconference
• Internet safety basics
• Mobile device basics
• Microsoft Office skills
• Intro to social media and website building
• Telehealth basics
• Platform or application-specific basics, including ones used by the county, school district, or local hospital/clinic
• AI basics

Connected Nation provides digital literacy training classes to Connected Communities free of charge. To learn more, reach out to us today!

2.       Share information about affordable internet service plans.

Data from the American Communities Survey indicates that many residents who likely have physical access to the internet are not subscribing to the service. This number is higher among seniors in the county, suggesting that cost may be a barrier to subscription. Addressing the affordability of internet service can help more residents get online.  The county should work with community leaders and institutions to publicly promote programs and opportunities designed to reduce the cost of broadband service.

Below are some programs and resources that are available to residents.

·       Resources to locate affordable internet service or computers: Using online resources, Cotton County residents can identify local and national ISPs that offer special low-cost services for vulnerable populations, older adults, and low-income families with children. Resources include EveryoneOn (https://www.everyoneon.org/), which helps residents locate low-cost internet services and affordable computers by ZIP code and need, based on their participation in assistance programs.

·       State and federal low-cost programs: Two vital programs offer discounts for broadband to eligible households:

o   Lifeline is a federal program administered through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Universal Service Administrative Co. that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet services for eligible consumers. Consumers can get up to $9.25 off the cost of phone, internet, or bundled services each month. Households can qualify based on income or participation in federal or tribal assistance programs.

o   ISP low-cost plans: Many ISPs offer their own low-cost plans or subsidized programs to customers at a reduced cost. Some grant programs require ISPs receiving federal or state money to offer low-cost service to eligible low-income households. Residents should ask their local providers about any programs and potential eligibility.

The county and the connectivity lead can compile this information and make it publicly available to residents. Local organizations that help residents access services and benefit programs can include broadband affordability programs as part of those efforts.

3.       Highlight successful local use cases of technology adoption and innovation to promote wider adoption of new technology strategies.

Cotton County can encourage broader technology adoption by showcasing local success stories that demonstrate how digital tools are already creating value in the community. Highlighting examples such as a small business expanding its customer base through online sales, a farm using connected technologies to improve efficiency, a healthcare provider offering telehealth services, or a school leveraging digital platforms to enhance learning can make the benefits of technology clearer to residents and organizations. Sharing these use cases through local media, community events, and county communication channels helps build awareness, reduce uncertainty, and inspire others to explore new technology strategies that support economic growth, service delivery, and overall community advancement.

These use cases may also highlight the need for additional community leaders to build the local broadband ecosystem. The individuals and organizations profiled could assist in various ways to support the county’s connectivity goals, such as leading workshops to teach others how to use the tools and platforms to support their own education or business pursuits, or providing pathways and opportunities for local students to gain real-world experience with technology applications.

Resources

• Connected Nation Digital Literacy Workshops
• Digital Learn – Free courses to learn anything about computers
• Digital Literacy Curriculum for K-12
• Free Applied Digital Skills – Google for Education
• Live, Virtual Classes for Seniors
• AARP Joins Nonprofit to teach tech to older adults
• The complete guide to digital skills
• Grow with Google
• Cybersecurity courses
• NDIA Honor Roll of Low-Cost Plans
• Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency - Cyber Resource Hub
• Connected Nation Cybersecurity Workshops

Justification: Broadband access plays a critical role in community development, influencing outcomes in healthcare, education, workforce readiness, business growth, public safety, and economic development. Securing additional funding to support the recommendations in this plan will help accelerate digital adoption, strengthen local programs, and ensure that investments in connectivity yield long-term benefits for Cotton County residents.

Strategic Action:

Pursue grants to advance local community development using broadband technologies (e.g., workforce development, telehealth, digital literacy, etc.).

Cotton County should leverage the dedicated grant-writing resources available through the Connected Engagement program and coordinate with the connectivity lead and local partners to identify, pursue, and align funding opportunities across sectors. By taking a proactive, coordinated approach to grant pursuit, the county can maximize available resources, unlock new funding streams, and sustain progress toward closing the Digital Divide.

For example, local schools may consider opportunities through the U.S. Department of Education, libraries may consider grants through the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the Chamber of Commerce may consider opportunities through the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). For specifics and further information about the grant-writing funds, please contact Connected Nation.