Yesterday was a great day for Arizonans who live in communities with unreliable or virtual non existent access to internet broadband.
In a press release from Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, “the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Arizona’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) final proposal, clearing the way for the state to begin drawing down funds to deploy high-speed broadband in every corner of the state.”
The funding approved for Arizona is $967 million.
What does that mean?
According to a press release from Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs:
“Arizona’s plan outlines 70 project areas with roughly 160,000 eligible households, or Broadband Serviceable Locations, and 1,256 Community Anchor Institutions, such as schools, libraries, and hospitals, that are currently not connected to quality, reliable high-speed internet. The total investment amounts to $967 million, including $447 million in federal funding and $520 million in private-sector matching dollars.
The plan enables the installation of more than 7,709 miles of fiber optic technology, supporting the creation of roughly 5,000 jobs and connecting hundreds of thousands of Arizonans to reliable, affordable high-speed internet.”
Imagine the possibilities for impoverished and rural communities across the Grand Canyon state.
Access to the information superhighway will greatly improve in these areas. The digital divide across the state will be greatly reduced.
People can increase visiting their doctors for routine matters through telehealth appointments.
It will offer tremendous online education opportunities for students mature enough to master the system.
This funding opportunity was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act enacted during the Biden/Harris Administration.
Commenting on this development, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs wrote:
“Opportunity for every Arizonan means access to fast, affordable, reliable internet, no matter your zip code. With this historic investment, we’re not just closing the digital divide, but also opening doors to economic opportunity in every corner of our state. I’m grateful to the ACA and everyone who has played a role in advancing this critical project. From education to health care to workforce development, broadband is key to Arizona’s present and future.”
On social media, the Governor and her team posted:
Senator Mark Kelly offered:
“Every Arizonan, regardless of their zip code, deserves access to reliable, high-speed internet, and this final approval means many communities are one step closer to getting connected. But the job isn’t done. The administration needs to make all of Arizona’s broadband funding available, just as Congress intended.”
Senator Ruben Gallego conveyed:
“I’m glad to see that the NTIA approved Arizona’s proposal for the BEAD program to expand broadband internet access to communities that need it most, like rural and Tribal areas. This program was something I fought to include in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and I’m excited to see these funds get to work in Arizona. However, the Trump administration’s illegal and arbitrary changes to the BEAD program mean that Arizona won’t be able to use all of the funds Congress set aside for our state, and areas on the Hopi, White Mountain Apache, and the Yavapai-Apache Nation may be left without service. I’m urging the administration to reverse these changes and release Arizona’s full funds so every community can get connected.”
Senate Democratic Whip Rosanna Gabaldon commented:
“I am excited by the announcement that Arizona has received the final approval needed from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to expand broadband throughout the state. In a time when nearly every aspect of today’s society requires the internet, it is important to ensure every Arizonan—especially the ones in rural communities—has access to fast service. I am appreciative of Governor Hobbs’ dedication to closing the digital divide and ensuring that all of Arizona has the infrastructure for households to have access to high-speed internet.”
Governor Hobbs’s press release highlighted comments from tribal and rural leaders.
Roland Maldonado, Tribal Chairman of the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians said:
“On behalf of the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians, I wish to express our appreciation and gratitude for this BEAD program and the prospect of connectivity. As a far northern Arizona tribe in an extreme rural community without the modern conveniences of readily available connections to cellular networks and fiber optics with high-speed internet access, this becomes a real-time technological welcome change. Thank you!”
Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Verlon M. Jose stated:
“The BEAD funding will help finance broadband installation at approximately 400 sites across the Nation. We greatly appreciate the support from NTIA and the Arizona Commerce Authority as we continue to build a 21st-century infrastructure for our people.”
Travis Lingenfelter, Chairman of the Mohave County Board of Supervisors relayed:
“I am grateful for this $55.4 million BEAD investment into Mohave County. Fiber broadband is core 21st-century infrastructure, and this BEAD funding further equips rural Mohave County with the connectivity needed for education, healthcare services, public safety, industrial and small-business growth, and a stronger quality of life. I sincerely thank Governor Hobbs, the Arizona Commerce Authority, and the Arizona State Broadband Office for their leadership and commitment to Arizona’s future.”
Stephanie Irwin, Mayor of Pinetop-Lakeside said:
“Today’s approval is tremendous news for rural communities across our state! These dollars will allow for many more opportunities for the Pinetop-Lakeside community to grow our economy with additional broadband capacity. We are very grateful to Governor Hobbs and the ACA for all the hard work that went into making this a reality.”
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