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 in the very rural southernmost and westernmost parts of Okfuskee County. The grant would cover the area served by Canadian Valley Electric Cooperative and the remote communities of Paden, Boley, Bearden and Weleetka. The FTTH network will offer a XGS PON solution with 2.4 gigabit symmetrical broadband to the home and business. This grant would build a futuristic infrastructure to support cities, counties and utilities improve their cybersecurity needs along with a robust and dependable internet service needed to ensure a work from home career opportunity and home education is accessible to elevate poverty conditions. This fiber network will help rural communities be less susceptible to ransomware and other cyber attacks. A fiber network is more reliable than copper or wireless, it offers dependable connectivity that is far less likely to fail or degrade. It provides real-time visibility into critical physical-layer security. The on-going pandemic and world issues gives strong evidence that reliable high-speed internet connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity. As a subsidiary of Canadian Valley Electric Cooperative, we are dedicated to serving all the CVEC members and the surrounding communities, not just areas where there is high density. Our history proves our loyalty to serve our communities. Cooperatives have proven through decades of serving members, a strong, efficient, and dedicated business model that has proven the test of time. We are here to stay in Oklahoma, we are not building to leave. This area of Okfuskee County is in a qualified census block and has a high population of poverty. We will offer, the residents that qualify, subsidies from the Lifeline program and the American Recovery Plan to help low-income citizens afford our service.

EVIDENCE

None

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

It is a concern that the trend of declining population will continue if the ability to work from home is not an option. Currently, Okfuskee County is without a reliable broadband provider. The students, who have a high majority level of economic hardship, have struggled to maintain an educational connection with the schools during the pandemic. The fiber to the home broadband would address the root causes of the education breakdown. Healthcare is lacking and a high-speed internet connection would allow virtual doctor visits for our aging population. With high levels of poverty in Native populations, many do not have access to pay for high-speed internet to be brought to their homes and businesses without support. The network proposed in this grant would be eligible for Lifeline and Federal subsidies for those who qualify.

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