Lake Region Technology & Communications

PROJECT PURPOSE

Lake Region Technology & Communications (LRTC) would like to build its fiber to the home (FTTH) in Tahlequah, Ok. We currently offer internet, home phone, and television service to the town's borders on our electric distribution lines. We provide a complete fiber network with matched-up and download speeds from 100 to 1000 Mbps. Over 700 homes and 500 businesses would benefit from our service to improve learning online, working from home, remote health care, and promoting a higher quality of life.

EVIDENCE

None

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Tahlequah is a beautiful city with a population of 17,152 located in Northeast Ok. It is home to Northeastern State University and the capital of the Cherokee Nation. It has multiple world-class hospitals, and healthcare is a large industry, as well as education and tourism. Tahlequah has a poverty rate of 24.8%. Tahlequah has diverse ethnic groups that include Native American, White, Hispanic, African American, Asian, and many others. The citizens of Tahlequah suffered in the pandemic for lack of high-speed, reliable internet. Cable and satellite are the only options for much of the city. LRTC was happy to build our network to Norris Park in downtown Tahlequah, and still offers free wi-fi there to this day. LRTC is shovel-ready to take on this endeavor.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

We currently serve a tiny portion of Tahlequah, where we have facilities close. We do serve the city's borders; many Tahlequah residents are familiar with our service outside city limits, they overwhelmingly approve LRTC's FTTH to Tahlequah. We will send postcards, signage, radio, newspaper ads, and even knock on doors to encourage sign-ups. Once construction begins, take rates will soar. That has been LRTC's experience in the past

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

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