Oklahoma State University agricultural economics professor Brian Whitacre’s studies in recent years have focused on the value of broadband connectivity to rural communities. Last year brought that research into stark
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Dr. Brian Whitacre is advocating for internet access for rural Oklahoma residents. The use of WiFi Hotspots via no or low cost options is one of the ways he is advocating for rural broadband internet access.
Todd Johnson May 23, 2021
May 23, 2021
Dr. Brian Whitacre is advocating for internet access for rural Oklahoma residents. The use of WiFi Hotspots via no or low cost options is one of the ways he is advocating for rural broadband internet access. Todd Johnson
STILLWATER - Oklahoma State University agricultural economics professor Brian Whitacre s studies in recent years have focused on the value of broadband connectivity to rural communities. Last year brought that research into stark contrast.
Increasing access to high-speed internet in rural Oklahoma may be an even tougher task than it sounds because of federal uncertainty.
Oklahoma’s Rural Broadband Expansion Council, which started meeting in August, is still debating how broadband should be defined. Council Chair Rep. Logan Phillips (R-Mounds) said during their December meeting it seems like it should be easy. But it’s incredibly difficult to define because … we define it wrong, it will be used against us. It’ll stop us in our tracks, Phillips said.
The Federal Communications Commission currently considers broadband to be minimum 25 megabits per second download speed and 3 Mbps per second upload speed. But at least one commissioner has recommended upping the download speed to at least 100 Mbps per second, and the FCC has been criticized for a reporting form that considers an entire Census block served even if just a single location within it gets broadband service.