Amazing what good things could happen when public servants who care about the public good practice good government.
That is what has happened in the Grand Canyon state where Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, using funds from the state budget and the Biden/Harris signed American Rescue and Bipartisan Infrastructure Plans, has launched ConnectALLAZ, a program designed to close the digital divide among state residents and “ensure all Arizonans have access to information about statewide broadband programs.”
In a Gubernatorial press release, the purpose of ConnectALLAZ is:
“ConnectAllAZ.com provides Arizona residents information about all state broadband programs, community engagement opportunities, and resources like webinars and action plans. The website also features the new Arizona State Broadband Map, a tool that visually identifies unserved and underserved communities and shows internet access for every address across the state. This resource supports state, local, and federal efforts to address gaps and advance new connections.”
This Twenty First Century Equivalent of spreading Cyber Gutenberg Presses across the Grand Canyon state will be an information boom for regions of Arizona like rural and Native American Communities that have fallen behind in receiving accessible and high quality internet services.
Commenting on the initiative, Governor Hobbs wrote:
“In today’s high-speed world, access to the internet is a necessity to get an education, start and grow a business, access health care and find a job. All Arizonans, no matter where they live, should have the tools they need to thrive. Through ConnectAllAZ, we are bringing affordable, reliable broadband to every community in our state.”
In a video posted on social media, the Governor went on to say:
“In today’s connected world, access to high speed internet is no longer a luxury. It’s a necessity. Yet, too many Arizonans, especially in rural and Tribal Communities are still without access to reliable broadband services. We must do better. That is why I am proud to announce ConnectAllAZ, a transformative new initiative to bring affordable, reliable broadband to every community in our state…It’s about working together to close the digital divide. Our vision is clear. A future where every Arizonan, no matter where they live, has the tools to thrive in a connected world…”
In the same Gubernatorial press release, Sandra Watson, the head of the Arizona Commerce Authority, stated:
“Today’s announcement represents an exciting milestone that furthers Arizona’s efforts to expand high-speed broadband statewide.We are grateful to Governor Hobbs for her leadership on ConnectAllAZ, which will increase economic opportunity for Arizonans, especially in rural and Tribal communities. Thank you also to all of our community, state, and federal partners for their continued support to expand broadband access.”
Please click here to find out more about ConnectALLAZ.
Discover more from Blog for Arizona
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.