Jefferson County Oklahoma

Objective: Coordinate and collaborate across sectors within the county to ensure all residents have the ability to access and use the internet for education, health, economic, and other needs.

The state of Oklahoma was allocated $797 million under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) via the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program and the Digital Equity Act (DEA). These programs will fund projects that help expand high-speed internet access and ensure Oklahoma communities have the information technology capacity they need for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy by promoting diverse digital advancement projects. This federal funding opportunity is a once-in-a-generation infusion of money that will be administered by the Oklahoma Broadband Office (OBO) and provided to eligible entities via a competitive grant program. As this is a generational funding opportunity, Jefferson County must track broadband developments at the state and federal levels to ensure community needs are promptly met.

Action 1 – Identify and appoint a broadband champion for Jefferson County.

To ensure the success of the community action plan and to equip Jefferson County with the necessary tools for broadband growth, the community should centralize broadband expansion and improvement efforts in a single entity: a broadband liaison. In this role, the liaison can:

·       Promote broadband and technology access, adoption, and use;

·       Serve as the go-to resource for broadband and technology needs for internet service providers and community partners;

·       Seek ways to educate and empower the community regarding broadband and related technology;

·       Take priority action on recommendations from the community action plan and implement other programs that are necessary and beneficial to the growth of the community; and

·       Monitor broadband funding programs and seek beneficial partnerships for the community.

The liaison does not have to hold a formal role within the county, local government, or leadership. They can be residents at large who are passionate about making sure everyone in their community has access to broadband and can use it in ways that improve their lives.

Action 2 – Identify community organizations and county stakeholders who can support local broadband planning efforts. 

Much of the work in the broadband space is driven by partnerships. Having a group of trusted community leaders and organizations that augments the work of the broadband liaison will be valuable to promoting the community's connectivity goals. The county should look to leaders within the sectors described in the landscape analysis, including education, health care, business, public safety, and agriculture, to engage in dialogue about connectivity challenges and opportunities.

Action 3 – Stay connected to the work of the Oklahoma Broadband Office. 

The Oklahoma Broadband Office (OBO) is running several grant programs designed to bring connectivity to everyone in the state and increase broadband adoption and use. This includes implementing the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) grant program in 2025, through which entities can apply to bring infrastructure to any home in Jefferson County that lacks 100/20 Mbps connectivity. The office will also receive $11.2 million for digital opportunity activities, including a program to refurbish and distribute devices, and research and programs to expand telehealth access. By coordinating across sectors and ensuring leaders are staying apprised of broadband updates, Jefferson County can assess future funding programs as opportunities to bring infrastructure, programs, and funding to the community.

Timeline

A broadband liaison should be appointed as soon as possible to ensure the county can begin organizing efforts for broadband programs and funding.

Responsible parties

Local and county governments, business leaders, community, and regional organizations.

Resources

Broadband readiness

• Smart Cities Readiness Guide
• Next Century Cities Becoming Broadband Ready Toolkit
• Municipal Boards: Best Practices for Adoption Technology

Broadband leadership

• Ector County TX forms taskforce to set up broadband office
• City of Memphis: Broadband Project Manager, Senior
• Letter: Do your part on broadband
• The Anatomy of a Community Broadband Manager
• TARA Leadership: Rondella Hawkins

Objective: Ensure all residents have access to the internet and speeds that meet their needs for work, education, telehealth, and quality-of-life purposes.

Action 1 – Establish and maintain open communication and positive relations with internet service providers (ISPs) working or scheduled to work in the county, as well as ISPs interested in expanding in the county.

ISPs are key partners for communities looking to expand broadband access. Checking in regularly with ISPs allows community leaders to stay abreast of construction and expansion progress or plan changes, identify challenges they face, and communicate community goals and objectives. This open communication allows ISPs to better understand community needs and for communities to better understand the obstacles and barriers ISPs face. This understanding can encourage creative problem-solving, which can lead to finding solutions through public-private partnerships. Public-private partnerships are arrangements between public entities, such as local governments, and private entities, such as ISPs, to achieve a common goal. They are often, but not always, funding arrangements.

Additionally, the county should strive to be an environment amenable to business. This means having easy-to-use websites that allow ISPs and vendors quick access to relevant information, as well as fostering a business environment that rewards open communication and timely resolution of concerns. Fostering open communication with ISPs is critical for broadband development. As part of BEAD applications, ISPs must demonstrate local support; therefore, having relationships with local leaders will be crucial to ensuring successful grants and deployment according to county needs.

Action 2 – Pursue state and federal funding for broadband advancement.

As mentioned previously, the infusion of federal funds via BEAD and DEA to the state is an opportunity for Oklahoma communities to support ISPs and other entities that are looking to expand infrastructure, and programs that support robust broadband delivery. Jefferson County should explore the best ways to support ISPs that are considering buildouts in the community. This may include engaging with and supporting ISPs looking to secure BEAD and other federal and state funding resources.

In addition, other funding sources, such as the U.S. Economic Development Association or the U.S. Department of Agriculture, promise opportunities for broadband. Funding guides have been linked in the resource section. Capitalizing on these once-in-a-generation funding opportunities will ensure Jefferson County residents have faster, more reliable broadband for years to come.

Action 3 – Partner with local ISPs to promote low-cost broadband programs.

Data from the American Communities Survey indicates that many people who likely have physical access to internet are not subscribing to the service. This number rises for the lowest income households in the county, indicating that cost may be a barrier to subscribing. Addressing the affordability of internet service can be a way to get more residents 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, Jefferson 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 critical programs offer discounts for broadband to eligible households:

o   Lifeline is a federal program administered through the Federal Communication 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.

Additionally, ISPs often offer their own low-cost options or subsidized programs to consumers at a greatly reduced cost. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021 requires ISPs that receive federal grant money to offer low-cost service to eligible low-income households. Local advocacy for internet affordability, using Jefferson County-specific data, will be essential to ensuring residents can continue accessing online information and virtual resources.

Timeline

The sooner Jefferson County can begin building relationships and pursuing opportunities, the better. Many grant programs have approaching deadlines. Residents and businesses benefit when there is good broadband and open communication between ISPs and end users.

Responsible parties

Local and county governments, business leaders, broadband liaison.

Resources

• The FCC High-Cost program: CAF A-CAM
• The Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF)  
• BroadbandUSA: Federal Funding Guide
• Guide to Federal Broadband Funding Opportunities in the U.S.
• Lifeline Program
• Oklahoma Broadband Office
• Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board
• The Oklahoma Broadband Expansion Council
• Oklahoma State Broadband Map
• HB 3363 Oklahoma State Broadband Expansion Act

Objective: Partner with libraries and community organizations to provide digital literacy training.

Broadband connects people to the world and opens the door to opportunity. Where there is broadband, there is development, achievement, and innovation. In rural Oklahoma, broadband looks like economic development, greater scholastic achievement, advancement in agriculture and farming, connection to telehealth services, infrastructure improvement, and general technological advancements.

In Jefferson County, it is important to embrace broadband for how it can both contribute to and improve the current way of life. Residents need the skills necessary to interact with online platforms. Local and national organizations provide training and resources to educate people about basic digital skills and how to use common technology applications and platforms. This is especially important for senior older adults, which in Jefferson County accounts for 20.4% of the population. Providing training opportunities to seniors can help them remain connected to family and friends, manage their health, and access government programs and resources.

Action 1 – Explore device access opportunities.

Residents need access to internet-enabled devices to take advantage of increased internet connectivity and all the opportunities available online. The county can explore ways to increase access to devices. This may include considering refurbishment programs, where donated devices are updated and redistributed. Additionally, community anchor institutions, including schools and libraries, can acquire and make available computers for public use, allowing residents without a device in the home to come to their location to use the computer and receive support.

Action 2 – Develop curriculum for free community workshops.

Community leaders should partner with local and regional organizations to facilitate free digital literacy and digital skills workshops designed to increase digital engagement across the county. Workshop curriculum should be curated using material created by the county and publicly available programs, such as AARP and Digital Learn (resources linked below). Classes could be offered at local facilities, such as the school gym, library, or community center, and be advertised through the local media. The intention is for residents and community leaders to understand the importance of digital engagement and to feel comfortable using online platforms. The more the community engages online, the more residents will reap the benefits of a digital lifestyle.

These efforts would mirror statewide efforts of organizations and nonprofits working to close the Digital Divide. As evidenced by a 2023 digital asset inventory from the OBO, many organizations currently offer digital literacy classes and programs. The state’s Digital Equity Plan highlights the ongoing trend and need for digital inclusion. Visit the OBO’s website for the latest version of the plan.

Workshop topics can include:

• How to teleconference
• Cybersecurity 101
• Microsoft Office skills
• Intro to social media and website building
• Telehealth basics

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

Action 3 – Partner with community stakeholders for workshop execution.

Finding broadband champions who can share the impact of technology from their perspective can help class participants understand the broad impacts of connectivity. There are community members with technical expertise and/or the ability to communicate new information effectively who can support these efforts. Banks, health care institutions, schools, and local governments use online platforms and applications and are invested in helping their communities learn the skills to use these platforms. When you know your audience, you can invite guest speakers, select specific curriculum, and pick class times/locations that are most convenient for the end user that will promote greater engagement.

Connected Nation offers the Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T program, which empowers teens to offer digital skills training to their communities, providing them support and incentives as they teach classes. To learn more about bringing this program to your community, reach out to Connected Nation.

Timeline

Digital literacy and digital skills workshops for residents and businesses should be available throughout Jefferson County by fall 2025. The community should routinely assess the curriculum to determine if updates are needed.

Responsible parties

Community institutions such as businesses, schools, libraries, organizations, local government leaders and elected officials, ISPs, and community residents,

Resources

Digital literacy

• 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

• Cybersecurity courses
• Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency - Cyber Resource Hub
• Connected Nation Cybersecurity Workshops

Action 1 – Pursue grants to advance local community development using broadband technologies (e.g., workforce development, telehealth, digital literacy, etc.).

In conjunction with the countywide Connected Community Engagement program, Jefferson County has been allocated grant-writing funds to continue closing the Digital Divide. Broadband has far-reaching impacts on community development, including health care, education, business, public safety, and overall economic development. These grant-writing funds are specific to each county and can be used to further the community’s connectivity and infrastructure goals.

Jefferson County is well-positioned to pursue opportunities, especially as funds flow from state and federal programs. Through countywide partnerships and collaborative efforts, the community can advocate and provide equitable, affordable, and reliable broadband access for all residents, businesses, and community anchor institutions.

Every community anchor institution has a role to play in closing the Digital Divide, and funding opportunities are available to make that happen. 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, while 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.