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 Seminole, OK. Seminole has a strong need for improved broadband infrastructure to ensure a work from home career opportunity is accessible to alleviate poverty conditions and support their need of cybersecurity within the City offices. This request is supported by the City Council, City Mayor, City Manager, and citizens of the community. The City of Seminole has approved an in-kind support of $50,000 to this project. This grant would build a futuristic infrastructure to support City utility, business and cybersecurity needs along with a robust and dependable internet service for their community. 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 Seminole residents and not just main street. 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. Seminole is in a qualified census block area 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

Seminole is a diverse community with high levels of interdependence. The community has a high level of poverty rate that exceeds the national rate of 13.4%. Additionally, the area has a substantial population of Native Americans. Specifically, four groups have been disproportionately affected by lack of broadband service including areas where poverty is high, students, seniors, and Native American?s. The students, have a high level of economic hardship. Many schools rank in the 90% free/reduced lunch. They struggled to maintain an educational connection with the schools during the pandemic, due to lack of broadband. The seniors had significant work/social burdens with many of their interactions moving towards web-based interfaces. Seniors faced increased levels of social isolation, the inability to virtual doctor visits and work opportunity reduction. 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.

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