From the Top – October 2026 | OEC News

When OEC Fiber began construction in 2018, our goal was to bring reliable, high-speed internet to members who did not have access to it.

At the time, the digital divide was very real across our service territory. Some communities, even those near our office in Norman, lacked the broadband service necessary for work, education, health care and everyday life. We saw an opportunity to change that and improve our members’ quality of life.

Nearly a decade later, OEC Fiber has become a tremendous success. As we approach our 10-year anniversary next year, we are preparing for the next chapter by reinvesting in the technology that powers our fiber network and strengthens what it can deliver for members.

Preparing OEC Fiber for changing internet needs

The fiber itself remains built for the future. What is changing is the equipment that powers the network, including technology at members’ homes and throughout our system. Much of that equipment was installed during the early years of our fiber build and is now ready for an upgrade. OEC Fiber’s success allows us to make that investment and expand the network’s capabilities for members.

That matters because the way we use the internet has changed considerably since we began planning in 2017. Homes have more connected devices, while remote work, streaming, gaming and online learning are a part of daily life. Technology will continue to evolve, and we want our network to be ready for what comes next.

You will soon see new OEC Fiber offerings that leverage these upgraded capabilities. I won’t get into too many details here, as you can read more about the upgrades and what they mean for members in “The Room Where It Happens.” What I do want to emphasize is the value behind these investments.

Reinvesting in a member-owned network

As a member-owned cooperative, our goal is not to maximize profit. We have to operate responsibly and cover our costs, but beyond that, we look for ways to reduce costs or improve service. This reinvestment is a clear example of how we use our success to benefit members.

I’m proud of what OEC Fiber has accomplished and even more excited about where we are headed. We built this network to serve our members, and now we have the opportunity to make it even better for them.

After all, you own OEC. You are the reason we are here, and we will continue working to make sure your cooperative delivers value today and even greater benefits in the future.