OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Broadband Office’s statewide broadband listening tour is coming to Okmulgee on Tuesday, June 20, and state officials are asking you to take part. The meeting will begin at 4:30 p.m. in the Student Union Building at the Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology.

The “Let’s Get Digital: Oklahoma Broadband Tour” is passing through 18 cities and towns to gather public input for a five-year plan to connect the entire state to highspeed internet. The tour began on May 8 and will continue through June 23.

Data show more than 800,000 Oklahomans currently lack access to dependable highspeed internet service in Oklahoma. That’s more than onein- five Oklahoma residents.

“Access to affordable and reliable high-speed internet service has become a necessity. Our mission is to ensure every family, student, business, farmer and tribal community in Oklahoma has that access,” Oklahoma Broadband Office Executive Director Mike Sanders said.

“A key priority to ensure our mission is successful is to hear from and talk with Oklahomans who lack adequate service today. We welcome anyone with questions or concerns, or who wants to learn more about our efforts to attend one of the meetings scheduled across the state between now and June 23.”

The public is encouraged to register at oklahoma. gov/broadband/o utreach for any of the remaining stops on the tour: June 20 at 4:30 p.m. – Okmulgee June 22 at 4:30 p.m. – Goodwell June 23 at 4:30 p.m. – Woodward Residents, business owners, farmers and ranchers, leaders, members of tribal communities, and representatives for schools, hospitals, nonprofits, and other community organizations are encouraged to attend. For questions regarding the broadband listening tour, the public is encouraged to email or call MJ Barton, Oklahoma Broadband Office, at mj.barton@broadband.ok.gov or 405517-2393.