CVEC Fiber, LLC. A wholly owned subsidiary of Canadian Valley Electric Cooperative

PROJECT PURPOSE

The request will construct a 100% fiber to the premise network within Pottawatomie County. The FTTH network will offer a XGS PON solution with 2.4 gigabit symmetrical broadband to the home, 10 gigabit to the business and dedicated services for enterprise & anchor institutions. Currently, CVEC Fiber has built 450 miles of mainline fiber and installed 1,038 homes to their network in Pottawatomie County. This pre-existing plant is not included in this request. This project would expand the coverage to remaining Canadian Valley Electric members in the county and those households outside of the Canadian Valley Electric serving areas which would include the unserved communities of Johnson, Saint Louis, Tribbey, Brooksville, Dale, Earlsboro, Wanette, Asher, Pink, McLoud, Bethel Acres, Macomb, Tecumseh and the Qualified Census Tracts in Shawnee. By adding these 3 qualified areas in Shawnee to this grant request, it increased our request by $7,700,000. These tracts include 88 housing units and over 9k population. We understand the need for reliable high-speed broadband in this area where low-cost housing is located, it is of utmost importance to help these households that are currently left behind. The request is supported by the City and County officials throughout the County. The ongoing pandemic gives strong evidence that reliable high-speed internet connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Oklahoma has a large digital divide with over 42.22% of its population not having access to broadband. It is estimated that one in four Oklahoman children does not have access to broadband at home. The lack of broadband creates social and economic hardship and drives businesses away from a community.

EVIDENCE

None

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of broadband connectivity. Students have transitioned to online learning, and many professionals have shifted to teleworking arrangements. Applying for unemployment or small business assistance programs typically requires filing documents online. Individuals and households lacking an internet connection are cut off from friends and family. The Native American population faced an increased mortality level from COVID. Due to this recognition by several tribes, they have moved many services online, including virtual doctor visits. This grant will offer them an internet connection that will qualify for Lifeline and other government subsidies to help the low-income tribal members. In addition, this grant will support the low-income housing areas within Shawnee that have been left behind on the progression of broadband to date.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Project performance will be provided using a random sample test performed during peak hours for 1 week, once a quarter, using a combination of on-premise router test data and Ookla speed test data. CVEC Fiber, LLC will demonstrate network and project viability by demonstrating the following: ? Take rate of 15% or greater ? System uptime demonstrating 99% availability ? Project summary of progress using maps and overview ? 150/150 Mbps available across the entire project relevant to test area ? Project support letters and satisfied customers testimonials

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma