Valliant Telephone Company - Garvin Project
This project is to deploy fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) broadband infrastructure to address a well-documented and persistent lack of reliable, high-speed internet access in the project area. This is a necessary investment in closing the digital divide that has left many households and businesses without access to an adequate minimum level of service, as defined by the BEAD program. These areas were selected for their project due to their proximity to the applicant's existing FTTP network. Combined with the company's deep roots in the areas, this will enable a rapid and seamless buildout with quick, trusted, and reliable uptake by subscribers.\\n\\nThe need for this project arises from the absence of existing broadband infrastructure capable of delivering reliable, scalable, and affordable service. Residents in the proposed service area face significant barriers to full participation in education, remote work, telehealth, and digital commerce. Without intervention, these communities will continue to fall further behind in key indicators of economic and social well-being.\\n\\nDeploying fiber is the most cost-effective and future-proof solution to meet this need. While other technologies such as satellite and fixed wireless may provide temporary or limited relief, they typically fall short in meeting speed, latency, capacity, and reliability standards over the long term. Fiber infrastructure, by contrast, offers unparalleled scalability and durability, supporting symmetrical multi-gigabit speeds and adapting seamlessly to future technological demands.\\n\\nThis project was evaluated against alternative solutions, and fiber emerged as the most sustainable and cost-efficient option when considering lifecycle costs, performance, and ability to meet minimum service thresholds. The investment aligns with BEADâ€™s emphasis on targeting unserved and underserved areas with a durable solution that ensures digital equity and economic opportunity for all, as well as with the applicant's long-term goals of building out future-proofed FTTH infrastructure for the local community that they are deeply embedded in, having served McCurtain and Choctaw counties for over 60 years.\\n\\nIn summary, this project is a critical, targeted response to an identified broadband service gap and represents the most effective use of public funds to deliver long-lasting infrastructure that meets current and future connectivity needs, empowering a local ISP with â€œboots on the groundâ€ to better serve their local community.