Oklahoma Invests $14.5 Million in Community Access Portals
The program will bring essential online services to more than 75 rural and regional library systems.
WASHINGTON, July 14, 2026 – The Oklahoma Broadband Office is launching a $14.5 million effort to place 175 community access portals available to libraries across the state, expanding access to healthcare, workforce services and digital skills training.
The program’s scale is a national first, with over 75 rural libraries and regional library systems expressing interest in the program. Oklahoma libraries can request community access portals by submitting an order form through the Oklahoma Broadband Office.
Oklahoma Broadband Office Executive Director Mike Sanders noted that broadband access is about more than internet access. In the July 13 release, He explained, “It is about connecting Oklahomans to opportunities that improve quality of life. By partnering with libraries across the state, we are leveraging these trusted community spaces where residents can access healthcare, pursue employment opportunities and develop digital skills needed in today’s economy.”
The initiative will help transform libraries into community spaces where residents hop online and participate in virtual primary care appointments, telehealth consultations, workforce development services, remote job interviews and build digital literacy skills.
The program is being supported by the Capital Projects Fund under the American Rescue Plan Act. The Capital Projects Fund provided states $10 billion to build broadband networks in unserved communities. The ARPA is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package passed in 2021.
