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 Eufaula, OK. Eufaula has a strong need to have improved broadband infrastructure to ensure a work from home career opportunity is accessible to alleviate poverty conditions. This request is supported by the City Council, City Mayor, City Manager, Public Strategies, Eufaula Chamber of Commerce, and citizens of the community. The on-going pandemic gives strong evidence that reliable high-speed internet connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Every home, business and school in small towns and rural areas should have access to high-speed internet and phone capabilities. Oklahoma has a large digital divide with over 42.22% of its population not having access to broadband. That is almost 1.7 million people. In terms of broadband coverage, Oklahoma ranks 49th out of 50 states only beating Arkansas by a few percentage points. It is estimated that one in four Oklahoman children does not have access to broadband at home. The lack of broadband creates social and economic hardship and drives business away from a community. Given these facts, the importance of building broadband infrastructure in Oklahoma cannot be overstated.

EVIDENCE

None

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Eufaula is a Socially Vulnerable Community with a Center for Disease Control?s Social Vulnerability Index score of 0.75 or higher. Eufaula lies in a qualified census tract and has a poverty rate of 29% which is well above the national average of 11%. The pandemic only enhanced the negative impact that had already took root in our community. Our residents lack access to health care. The ability to virtually visit with a doctor or health specialist is not possible with subpar internet access which leaves our community with very little resources to stay healthy. With the fiber network, our ability to do virtual doctor visits will save lives and give us the ability to stay healthy. The pandemic shed light on the inability for our community to work from home or do home schooling. Many people lost jobs or were temporarily employed because they lacked access to reliable internet. With Public Strategies partnering with Eufaula for a pilot project, we know broadband will make a success.

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 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