Southern Plains Cable, L.L.C.

PROJECT PURPOSE

Hilliary Communications is requesting $7,043,750 in ARPA funds to fund its Grady County project and provide reliable, high-speed internet to thousands of homes with no recurring cost to the state. With the ARPA grant, Hillary Communications is pledging to provide free internet for 10 years to state government entities within reach of this project such as Chickasha City Hall, Union City Police and Fire Departments, McLemore Tag Agency, The Grady County Historical Society, Chickasha Food Pantry and many more. It is critical we keep pace in Oklahoma with this necessary form of infrastructure. As of November 2021, state legislatures in nearly half of states had appropriated ARPA money for grants to ensure broadband services reach unserved and underserved communities. This request will undoubtedly be a source of positive change in countless lives across parts of rural Oklahoma by enhancing access to education, better healthcare, and new work opportunities. The opportunity is vast, and the impact of providing access to modern life through broadband expansion will be felt for generations to come.

EVIDENCE

None

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

This request serves unserved and underserved residents in Chickasha, Friend, Agawam, Norge, Union City and surrounding rural areas. From farming to education broadband has become a critical part of our lives today. 31% of all agricultural producers in Grady County reported having insufficient or no access to broadband. This grant would transform the lives of nearly every resident in the coverage area not only due to direct access to the internet but also because of the increase in industries that rely on access to broadband.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

We will prepare a report to highlight the number of homes passed, the number of homes served and the most common speed selected by the customer.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

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