The latest data release from the FCC National Broadband Map ranks Oklahoma as fourth in the country for reducing the number of homes and businesses with no access to high-speed internet service.

More than 58,000 locations were removed from the unserved list thanks in part to the ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund program administered by the Oklahoma Broadband Office (OBO) and reflects a 28 percent decrease in locations without high-speed connection.

Mike Sanders of Kingfi sher is executive director of OBO, the agency tasked with a five-year mission to develop and administer grant programs to make high-speed internet available to all Oklahomans.

The FCC data is based on locations internet service providers report to serve.

It is released twice a year and is the basis for how the OBO determines where to focus its efforts.

Tens of thousands more locations will be recognized in later map updates as additional OBO administered projects are reported, said Sanders.

“Oklahoma’s rise to fourth in the nation for our efforts highlights the impact of unified vision and strong partnerships,” Sanders said.

“With continued support from ARPA funds and significant BEAD funding on the way, we remain dedicated to closing the digital divide for all Oklahomans.”

Progress is yet to slow down, added Sanders, as the OBO gears up to administer its largest program, BEAD. Over the next year, an additional $750 million will be awarded to further improve the trend celebrated by the recent data.