Fiber Broadband Association Honors OEC Fiber with 2026 Chairwoman’s Award

Fiber Broadband Association Honors OEC Fiber with 2026 Chairwoman’s Award

Oklahoma cooperative recognized for advancing fiber access and rural connectivity across the state 

ORLANDO, FLA.—(May 19, 2026)—Today at Fiber Connect 2026, the Fiber Broadband Association’s (FBA) Chairwoman Ash Brown presented OEC Fiber, wholly-owned broadband subsidiary of Oklahoma Electric Cooperative, with the 2026 Chairwoman’s Award in recognition of their leadership and contributions advancing fiber broadband access in rural America. Accepting the award was David Goodspeed, President of OEC Fiber. OEC Fiber was selected for their measurable impact promoting, educating and accelerating fiber deployment across underserved communities throughout Oklahoma.  

“OEC Fiber is a powerful example of what it means to be ‘made for more.’ They’re not simply building networks and improving power grids—they’re building futures. Through their commitment to innovation, service, and community impact, they’ve elevated what broadband can do for people and places that need it most. I can’t think of a more deserving organization for this honor,” said Ash Brown, Chairwoman of the FBA Board of Directors and Senior Director of Field and Partner Marketing in the Americas for Adtran. “Their work, the entire OEC Fiber team, continues to redefine excellence in community leadership, the cooperative spirit, setting a benchmark for service, scale, and long-term impact across the broadband and electric industries.” 

Oklahoma Electric Cooperative has been providing critical power for 90 years, and fiber deployment has allowed them to do more for their members and communities. The board approved the fiber project in 2017 and first customers were connected in 2019. OEC Fiber rapidly transformed broadband access across Oklahoma—building thousands of miles of fiber and serving tens of thousands of subscribers in just a few years, four to be exact, far exceeding original expectations and demonstrating exceptional execution. 

OEC Fiber has become a recognized example of how electric cooperatives can successfully deliver reliable, future-ready broadband infrastructure to their communities. They are not only delivering fast connectivity—they are consistently recognized for it. OEC Fiber has earned over 30 national and local awards for speed, customer service, and digital inclusion, reinforcing their position as a top-performing provider. 

Learn more about Fiber Connect 2026 here or subscribe to FBA’s Fiber Forward Weekly newsletter here to stay updated.