Lawton, OK – In a significant step towards bridging the digital divide, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt joined state officials and representatives from Hillary Communications on Tuesday to break ground on a new broadband project in Bray, Oklahoma. The initiative aims to deliver high-speed internet access to rural communities, an effort that has long been a priority for Stitt’s administration.
The ceremony, held at the town’s community center, marked the official start of the project, which is expected to improve internet connectivity for businesses, schools, and residents in underserved areas of the state. Governor Stitt, along with Mike Sanders, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Broadband Office (OBO), and other dignitaries, took part in the symbolic “shovel to dirt” moment, signaling the beginning of the expansion.
Sanders emphasized the importance of reliable internet in enabling economic growth, particularly for rural areas. “What this will mean is that people can run their million-dollar companies from their kitchen table,” Sanders said. “Having access to broadband allows residents to compete in the global market and provides opportunities to start businesses—something we are committed to supporting.”
Governor Stitt also underscored the broader economic benefits of the project, noting that broadband access is a crucial factor in attracting businesses to rural Oklahoma. “It’s going to bring jobs to rural Oklahoma, to the workforce,” he stated. “It’s a must-have for any business setting up here. We have great people in Oklahoma, and this initiative will continue to foster job development across the state.”
The governor’s remarks echoed his ongoing efforts to improve economic conditions in rural communities, which have historically faced challenges with both internet access and job creation. The broadband expansion is part of a broader statewide effort to address these issues by connecting more Oklahomans to the digital world, which has become essential for modern work, education, and commerce.
Both Stitt and Sanders noted the importance of directly engaging with rural communities to understand their needs and ensure the success of such projects. “I love getting out of Oklahoma City and visiting communities like Bray,” Stitt said with a smile. “For me, it’s important to see firsthand how things are coming together for the state. It’s just really fun, and I wouldn’t miss these trips.”
Sanders, a rural Oklahoma native, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of these visits to areas often overlooked in broader state policy decisions. “Rural Oklahoma has been left behind for too long,” he said. “We’re making a conscious effort to be present in these communities. I’m a product of rural Oklahoma, and it’s the best way.”
The Bray project is part of a larger state initiative to expand broadband infrastructure and bring high-speed internet to more Oklahomans, especially those in rural areas where access has been limited. As the state moves forward with this and other broadband projects, officials hope to foster economic growth, improve educational opportunities, and create a more connected future for all Oklahomans.
