In Another Victory for Rural Arizona, AG Kris Mayes Secures Access to 911 and Expanded Broadband

In another victory for Rural Arizona and for the free transmission of knowledge and protection of public safety, State Attorney General Kris Mayes has announced her office has secured settlement agreements with Frontier and Verizon Communications “to invest in rural broadband infrastructure, fix public safety-related service outages, and protect ratepayers from unfair costs” in Navajo and Apache Counties.

In an office press release, Attorney General Mayes commented:

“For too long, residents in Navajo and Apache counties have suffered from unreliable internet and phone service that has jeopardized public safety, hurt local businesses, and put lives at risk during emergencies. These settlements will hold Frontier and Verizon accountable to the communities they serve, bring major investments in broadband infrastructure, and represent a big step in ensuring that residents in these rural areas receive the high-quality service they deserve…If these providers fail to live up to these commitments, I will not hesitate to go to court to compel compliance.”

According to the press release, the parameters of the agreement are:

“Frontier and Verizon, will invest $8 million to expand and enhance rural broadband in Navajo and Apache counties. This includes over $2 million to improve fiber network reliability between Holbrook, Snowflake, and Show Low, and over $2 million to bolster connections between St. Johns, Concho, Springerville, Vernon, and Show Low. Approximately $4 million will go toward connecting homes, businesses, and public institutions directly to high-speed fiber. These commitments are enforceable through a consent judgment with the Attorney General.”

“Verizon, which is in the process of acquiring Frontier, will be required to identify and fix the root causes of public safety and 911 outages in the region, conduct a full network audit, make investments necessary to ensure adequate and reliable service for customers, and implement enhanced maintenance practices. Frontier customers will also see no rate increases until 2027, and low-income service plans will be offered. The AGO will have party status to enforce Verizon’s obligations through the Corporation Commission. The Corporation Commission must still vote to approve the settlement.”

The Attorney General had previewed this settlement at a town hall meeting in St. Johns last Monday, July 28.