CLAREMORE, Okla. — People in rural Rogers County are getting faster internet access thanks to a partnership between the federal government and Cox.
The Roco Broadband plan brought $3 million from the federal government and Cox to bring fiber internet to homes underserved homes.
In 2017, nearly 40% of homes in northeastern parts of Rogers County didn't have internet access. In Nowata and Craig counties, some areas jump to more than 40%.
2 News covered this project since it began:
John Burnett lives in Tracora Hills in Claremore. Burnett struggled with limited internet.
"Well, it would be slow, it would loop, that little circle would go around and around for a long time," said Burnett.
The endless loading circle is something Burnett knows far too well. Burnett said the pain of limited internet access lasted too long.
"When you're on the computer, it does the same thing. It'll freeze up or loop its very frustrating," said Burnett.
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The frustration is coming to an end thanks to the $3 million from the American Rescue Plan and Cox. The partnership serves over 1,000 homes from Sequoyah to Foyil, Will Rogers Downs, and Burnett's area.
"Everything on the TV seems even clearer and really quick," said Burnett.
New internet is already installed at his house, "everything is real quick that we have so far."
2 News Spoke with Roger Ramseyer from Cox. He said over 80% of customers say having internet access improved their lives.
"It's so satisfying because people who didn't used to have a high-speed internet connection can now connect whether it is for work or remote working," said Ramseyer.
Burnett said having internet access in this day and age is essential.
"You got to have it; it's just the nature of life now," said Burnett.
Cox staff said they're also working on fiber internet projects in Fairfax and Tahlequah.
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