 Oklahoma's average download speed of 5.8 mbps in 2009 was up from 4.5 mbps in 2008, placing it 18th. Figures for 2007 showed over 14% of households had dial-up from their ISP and 36% had no kind of access to any internet service. However, a map of the state shows extensive wifi hotspots, although some remote areas have gaps in coverage.
Figures for 2006 illustrated the divide between urban and rural areas, showing 87% of urban residents had access to broadband service compared to 53% of rural residents. Urban areas have varying types of coverage, including fiber optic cable, whereas some rural areas are restricted largely to DSL. FCC data showed that Oklahoma had at least one broadband internet provider for every zip code in 2007. Most zip codes with high speed lines in service had four or five broadband internet providers.
Oklahoma City claims to have the largest city-owned and operated wireless internet access network, covering 555 square miles or 95% of the total city area. The network went live in 2006 and was relaunched in expanded form in 2008. It is for public safety and municipal use only and there are no plans to open it up to residents for broadband internet services. However, the University of Oklahoma uses the network to monitor atmospheric conditions, with monitoring stations mounted on traffic signals. Since the city suffers from extreme weather conditions, it is an appropriate use for the network and points the way ahead for future expansion.
The Pine Telephone Company received a $9.5 million federal stimulus grant in 2009 to provide 3G service to remote areas. The project covers 1922 square miles of rugged and isolated terrain within Choctaw Nation tribal lands and will serve almost 5,000 households and various institutions. AT&T announced plans to enhance its wireless network in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, having invested over $56 million there since 2007.
One of the fastest growing states, Oklahoma has an economy based on aviation, energy, telecommunications and biotechnology. It is the nation's second largest producer of natural gas. The state is in a temperate region but averages 54 tornado strikes a year.
Oklahoma City, the state capital, is the largest city. It is followed by Tulsa, home to the largest airline maintenance base in the world, then Norman and Lawton. Almost 60% of residents live in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metropolitan areas.
Cities in Oklahoma likely to have, or soon to receive, fiber optic cable internet services include Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, Lawton, Broken Arrow, Edmond, Midwest City and Moore. Locations in OK with highest population counts will be targeted first by providers, though relatively high speeds can be achieved with dial-up or DSL through companies such as Netzero and Charter Communications Cable.
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Coverage Unlikely
