AARP Oklahoma Partnership Connects Rural Oklahomans to Digital Hotspot Loan Program

Reliable internet access is crucial for staying connected and vital for individuals of all ages, including seniors. It allows them to stay engaged with friends and family and connect with healthcare resources, community events, and other essential services. That’s why AARP Oklahoma is proud to support a library hotspot program to help Oklahomans get connected.


Since 2017, AARP Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service have partnered to provide internet hotspots to public libraries. The mobile hotspots are available for check-out to library patrons, similar to traditional books, and can connect up to 10 devices. The 2023 grant from AARP Oklahoma for OSU's hotspot program brings the number of rural libraries now involved in the program to 30. The three communities added this year are Hinton, Pryor and Mangum.

“Our hard-working Oklahomans and their families deserve to be connected to the digital world. Unfortunately, rural areas often lack access to internet connectivity in their homes,” said Sean Voskuhl, AARP Oklahoma state director. “Our partnership with Oklahoma State University’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service provides rural communities with digital connectivity to important resources such as health care, entertainment, job and education resources while also being able to be more socially connected and personally fulfilled.”

OSU’s Dr. Brian Whitacre, who leads the program, said, “The COVID-19 pandemic made clear just how important a broadband connection is. Many of us take for granted all of the things we do online, including paying bills, staying connected with loved ones, or helping our kids with school. This program is a huge benefit to individuals without reliable home connections. We greatly appreciate AARP’s continued support for our hotspot loan program.”

 For more information on OSU’s hotspot program, contact Dr. Brian Whitacre, (405) 744-9825, or brian.whitacre@okstate.edu.