Click here to enable the accessibility widget for this website (Can also be opened using the Alt+9 Key)
Contact Us
Listen Now

Search

Please enter a valid search term.

Tillman County Oklahoma

Overview

The Tillman County, OK Broadband Team has completed its community technology assessment. The results of the assessment can be found by clicking the symbol for each of the sections below. The Recommended Actions section includes steps the community can implement to improve the broadband and technology ecosystem at a local level.

Results

Connected Nation Pdf Image 1

Plan Summary

View Results

INFRASTRUCTURE

Connected Infrastructure in Tillman County, Oklahoma

Broadband access refers to the infrastructure that enables a high-speed internet connection. There are two primary types of broadband connections: fixed and mobile.

Fixed broadband is delivered to a user via several technology platforms including cable, digital subscriber line (DSL) over phone lines, fiber optics, and fixed wireless. Fixed broadband is designed for stationary use at a fixed location such as a home, business, or institution. From one location, however, fixed broadband service is often broadcast as a Wi-Fi network to connect nearby devices.

The following map shows where broadband is available in the community.

 

Recommended Actions

The following recommendations are presented to assist Tillman County in expanding broadband access and adoption throughout the community.

Justification: Improving connectivity requires coordination among local government, schools, healthcare providers, businesses, and community organizations. Without clear leadership and communication, efforts can become fragmented, and opportunities may be missed. Establishing shared responsibility and collaboration helps ensure that technology investments reflect local needs, support how residents live and work, and deliver tangible community benefits.

As the focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and technology continues to expand, a coordinated, strategic technology plan will ensure Tillman County is equipped to leverage funding and economic development opportunities that benefit county residents.

Strategic Actions:

1.       Designate connectivity lead(s) or champions across sectors of local government and key community anchor institutions.

Tillman County should designate one or more individuals to coordinate broadband and digital opportunity initiatives throughout the community. These leaders may work within county government or be drawn from trusted local organizations. The role focuses on coordination rather than creating a new position. Key responsibilities include:

  • Serving as a point of contact for internet service providers and community partners
  • Sharing information about broadband access and digital skills programs
  • Coordinating efforts across county departments and community organizations
  • Tracking progress on this Technology Action Plan
  • Monitoring funding and partnership opportunities

2.       Build and maintain a local connectivity coalition.

The county should build or strengthen a cross-sector coalition committed to improving broadband access and digital skills. This coalition can help identify community needs, align efforts, and support outreach.

Potential partners include:

  • Education and workforce organizations
  • Healthcare providers
  • Local businesses and agricultural partners
  • Libraries, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations
  • Public safety and local government

The county should also maintain relationships with regional and state broadband partners, including the Oklahoma Broadband Office (OBO), to stay informed about programs and funding opportunities.

The OBO regularly engages with stakeholders to keep them apprised of broadband infrastructure, adoption programs, and grants. The Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board regularly meets to discuss programs and grants that the OBO implements. The OBO’s website contains information about the office’s work and current programs. Visit https://oklahoma.gov/broadband.html to learn more.

3.       Strengthen community outreach and information access to create an informed and engaged citizenry.

Tillman County should make it easier for residents to find information about broadband access, digital skills training, and technology resources by using existing communication channels.

Information shared may include:

  • Locations offering free public Wi-Fi
  • Digital skills classes and training opportunities
  • Public computer access or device lending programs

Other organizations and community anchor institutions in the area can also collaborate to share resources with the stakeholders they serve. Increasing the flow of information about broadband and related technologies will help the public understand the resources available to them. It will also allow residents to share feedback on the barriers to access they continue to face.

4.       Analyze and strengthen the local government’s digital tools and services

The county should audit its current website to understand and strengthen how information is shared online. This may include reviewing the county’s websites, social media pages, and online tools to assess how easily residents can find timely, accurate information. Gathering feedback from community members on how they access information—and where gaps exist—can help identify opportunities for improvement. By updating content, simplifying navigation, and ensuring information is accessible across devices and in languages appropriate for its residents, the county can use digital tools more effectively to connect residents with services, programs, and community updates.

 

Resources

 

 

 

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, 6.25% 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, Tillman 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.

Tillman 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.

Tillman 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. Tillman 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 Tillman County residents enjoy faster and more reliable broadband for years to come.

Resources

 

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.

Tillman 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, Tillman 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.       Determine how to expand access to the internet and free Wi-Fi in public spaces and within community anchor institutions.

Survey data indicates that a high number of Tillman County residents lack an internet subscription at home. The county and local community anchor institutions should catalogue and promote places where people can access the internet through public Wi-Fi or public computing stations. Places like the library, school district, government buildings, and local businesses all may have Wi-Fi available for residents to use. The county should also explore ways to expand this access in buildings and open spaces within the county.

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

Tillman 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. These 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

 

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 Tillman County residents.

Strategic Action:

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

Tillman 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.