Snapshot: Oklahoma

Oklahoma BTOP Launch Meeting

The Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) has received a major grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to upgrade broadband and computing capabilities at 44 public library sites around the state. During the next three years, the public libraries will see their broadband upload speeds increase to speeds between 4.6 mbps and in excess of 100 mpbs. In addition, the grant will provide 326 videoconferencing capable laptops and desktop computers, as well as 36 room-based videoconferencing systems. NTIA awarded the state $2.3 million through the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). The BTOP is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the economic stimulus package passed by Congress in 2009. With a matching grant and in-kind funds of $1 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Oklahoma will have $3.3 million to implement the improvements.

The goals of the grant are to connect the customers in these 44 public libraries to greater employment opportunities, better health outcomes, higher achievement in education, and easier access to government forms and services.