McCurtain County Advances Broadband Expansion and Supports Local Industrial Growth
McCurtain County continues to strengthen the foundational systems that support both residents and employers in southeastern Oklahoma
McCurtain County Advances Broadband Expansion and Supports Local Industrial Growth
McCurtain County continues to strengthen the foundational systems that support both residents and employers in southeastern Oklahoma. Recent progress includes major broadband expansion projects and ongoing industrial activity centered in Idabel.
Fiber Broadband Expansion Underway
The Oklahoma Broadband Office, in partnership with Pine Telephone Company, has launched high-speed internet expansion projects that include McCurtain County along with neighboring Choctaw, Latimer, and Le Flore counties. The multi-county effort is supported by federal ARPA funding and matching private investment, with a total regional investment approaching $59 million.
The projects are designed to bring reliable fiber service to homes and businesses that have lacked adequate broadband access. Officials note that improved connectivity supports economic opportunity, education, healthcare access, and remote work options in rural communities across the region.
Industrial and Manufacturing Activity
In Idabel, SETCO, Inc., a manufacturer of solid tires for heavy equipment used in demanding environments, has participated in the state’s Business Expansion Incentive Program and anticipates further investment and additional jobs at its facility. The company produces non-pneumatic tires for forklifts, loaders, haul trucks, and other off-road equipment.
The Idabel Industrial Development Authority continues to market available industrial sites, including property near the Highway 70 bypass and the former municipal airport industrial park, as the community works to attract and retain manufacturing and distribution activity.
Tourism and Quality of Life
McCurtain County remains one of Oklahoma’s strongest tourism destinations, with Broken Bow Lake, Beavers Bend State Park, and related outdoor recreation drawing visitors throughout the year. Local leaders view improved broadband and industrial stability as complementary to the tourism economy, helping create a more balanced base of opportunity for year-round residents.
Looking Ahead
The combination of broadband expansion and continued industrial investment reflects a practical focus on the tools that rural counties need to remain competitive. Residents can expect progressive rollout of fiber service as construction advances, along with ongoing efforts to support existing manufacturers and market available industrial sites in Idabel and surrounding areas.
County and economic development leaders emphasize that reliable internet access and a stable employment base are essential foundations for long-term community resilience in southeastern Oklahoma.
