House Republican legislation to bring high-speed internet to 95% of Oklahomans in five years was scheduled to be heard in committee this month.

The creation of an Oklahoma Broadband Office via House Bill 3363 represents Oklahoma’s biggest step in broadband expansion, which has been a House Republican priority for three years.

“With all the funds now available for broadband expansion, a dedicated office is needed to maximize their benefit for all Oklahomans,” said House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka.

HB 3363, authored by McCall, creates the Oklahoma Broadband Office to distribute all funding available for broadband expansion and deliver high-speed internet to 95% of Oklahomans in five years. The nonappropriated office would be fully funded with administrative allowances from federal funds and sunset in 2028.

The office will:

• Collect and distribute all funds available for broadband expansion in Oklahoma
• Establish policies to maximize use of funds
• Create and update Statewide Broadband Plan to achieve 95% service coverage by 2027
• Maintain mapping system of all broadband infrastructure in Oklahoma

Federal funding expected for broadband in Oklahoma ranges from $200 million, which is already on hand, to more than $1 billion once future allotments are made. In addition, Oklahoma last year enacted a $42 million sales tax rebate incentive for equipment and materials used for broadband expansion.

McCall said the sooner the bill can pass, the better. An emergency clause would allow the bill to take effect immediately by sufficient majority vote.