Arizona invests US$100 Million to expand high-speed broadband

ARIZONA – The Arizona government plans to invest about US$100 million to expand high-speed broadband to underserved and underserved areas of the state.

The above as part of the Arizona Broadband Development Grant Program, which, is intended to enable local communities to build or upgrade broadband infrastructure. 

The funding comes from the American Recovery Plan Act. According to Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, the grants will serve both rural and urban areas of the state, and eligible applicants include broadband service providers, local governments, Native American tribes, schools and libraries, among others. 

Arizona in 2019 allocated US$3 million for rural broadband development grants authorized in the FY 2020 budget. The funds helped improve infrastructure and increase download speeds for the communities of Bullhead City, Page and Payson, while funding planning grants in other parts of the state. 

Recent actions implemented by that state include the establishment of a statewide Broadband Office based at the ACA to facilitate the deployment of service infrastructure; also the allocation of US$3 million to improve internet access in rural areas.

In addition, work is included on “smart highway corridors” to install fiber optic conduits along Arizona highways; and expanding access to telemedicine, while reimbursement rates at AHCCCS for telehealth services.

Source: MEXICO-NOW Staff