Kingston is getting a much-needed infrastructure upgrade thanks to a federal grant project that is bringing fiber optic high speed internet service to parts of the area. Over 280 homes and businesses in the northeast area of Kingston will be getting the new service through 360 Broadband.
The awarded grant from ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) was made earlier this year by the Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board in the amount of $3.5 million dollars and was coupled with matching funds in the amount of $878,000 from 360 Broadband. There was a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, July 24 to officially announce the $4.4 million dollar expansion project.
Broadband representatives and Oklahoma’s congressional delegation attended the event. Broadband Office Executive Director Mike Sanders, 360 Broadband Marketing & Sales Director Dustin Reid were in attendance. Josh Cantrell from the Oklahoma House of Representatives and Marshall County Commissioner Chris Duroy were also there. Duroy talked about how important this project is and what it will mean to the residents of Marshall County as this is just the first step in bringing high speed internet to the entire county.
“There is a lot going on right here and I’m glad to see 360 Broadband and all the work the state has done to get this started out here,” Duroy said. “Glad to finally be coming into the 21st Century down here,” Duroy said with a grin.
Sanders addressed the crowd and said the upgrade will benefit everybody.
“The expansion of high-speed internet access in Marshall County – and throughout the state – is more than just a technological upgrade; it is a life-changing advancement that will bridge the digital divide, opening new opportunities for education, healthcare, and economic growth,” said Sanders. “This initiative will empower our communities, ensuring that every resident can fully participate in the digital age.”
The Marshall Chamber of Commerce Director, Kalynne Johnson said this is going to be good for residents and businesses in the area who rely on the internet to conduct transactions.
“It is going to be fantastic, there is such a lag a lot of times when you are online and this is going to change the game,” Johnson said.
She said that the residents in the area who are still not able to get internet access will greatly benefit.
“There’s a lot of places, down south of here, who can’t even get internet so I think and hope this will help them too,” Johnson said. “This is just in line with everything else getting upgraded. Marshall County has kind of been stagnant for a while and now we are seeing the progress and the internet is part of that.”