Northeast Rural Services, Inc., d/b/a BOLT Fiber Optic Services

PROJECT PURPOSE

BOLT seeks to provide the highest quality broadband service to current and future residents and businesses in northeast Oklahoma. The expansion of broadband to unserved and underserved areas is vital to opening doors for communication, education, workforce development, economic growth, income opportunity, healthcare, and socioeconomic equity. An analysis of 2020 U. S. Census data conducted by the Daily Yonder, a publication covering rural economic issues, shows that rural counties with limited broadband access experience greater population loss than rural communities with broadband readily available. BOLT's project would make broadband service available to approximately 11,000 more homes and businesses and encompass approximately 200 square miles in northeast Oklahoma.

EVIDENCE

None

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

U.S. Census Small Area Income and Poverty Estimate (SAIPE) data for the project area indicates poverty rates of 17.5% and median income less than $50,000. Upwards of 27% of families in the area have children aged 5 to 17 and 22% have children under 5. Oklahoma State Department of Education reports show an almost 10% decline in student proficiency resulting from the pandemic. Access to affordable broadband for both students and teachers will help resolve this dilemma in the future. Further, the entirety of the project is comprised of tribal lands per NTIA. Tribal health has been stifled as a result of the pandemic according to the Native Nations Institute. Broadband availability increases the options for tele-medicine in tribal and low-income populations alike.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

A project timeline has been developed and will be finalized in the initial planning stage after award. Milestone completion will largely determine project performance. Additionally, BOLT expects to see a minimum take rate of 35% in the proposed areas of construction but is planning for 50% with cost estimates reflecting the higher investment. Service will be made available up to 1 Gbps symmetrical. Ookla Speedtest data, sample testing, outage metrics, and customer satisfaction surveys will be used to gauge service quality, continuity, and overall success of the project.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

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