The gathering near Lindsay, complete with several dignitaries, is part of a series of broadband expansion projects meant to bring Internet services to more rural areas in the state.
The ceremony kicks off the construction of fiber optic lines being laid in the ground to someday soon, likely in 2026, connect 86 Lindsay area homes and businesses to the Internet through Pioneer Telephone Cooperative.
“This is about providing access to the Internet for rural residents,” said Mike Sanders, director of the Oklahoma Broadband Office.
“It’s up to them to choose this provider to tap into this service,” Sanders said, referring to Pioneer.
“This is going to be life-changing for these people.”
“We are proud to be a part of this transformation, bringing endless opportunities and enhanced connectivity for many Lindsay residents,” said Blake Callaham, general manager of Pioneer.
With the groundbreaking on March 21, the OBO and Pioneer launched the first two projects funded through the American Rescue Plan Capital Projects Fund.
The projects, totaling around $878,000, began with the ceremony near Lindsay.
They’re funded through $658,000 in grants administered by the OBO, coupled with $219,000 in matching contributions from Pioneer.
“It’s great to see our second round of grant funding coming to fruition,” Sanders said.
“(The) launch is about more than just laying fiber — we’re laying the foundation of opportunity, growth and connection for the entire state of Oklahoma. Rural Oklahomans are no longer being left behind and we’re getting it done one community at a time.”
The OBO is currently administering two federal grant programs awarded by the Broadband Governing Board last year.
The first program was awarded in January last year, while the second round includes these projects in September. A third infrastructure expansion program will be awarded in late summer, which includes Garvin County.
Pioneer projects are scheduled in Garvin and Jefferson counties. Pioneer is one of 11 Internet providers involved in the program.
At least one project is set to be built in 57 of the 77 of the state’s counties. About 175 projects have been awarded to provide high-speed access to more than 70,000 homes and businesses.
© 2025 the Pauls Valley Daily Democrat (Pauls Valley, Okla.). Visit www.paulsvalleydailydemocrat.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
