eX² Technology, a company within the Vivacity group, has announced a significant agreement with Cox Communications (Cox) to lease dark fiber along the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) I-17 right-of-way.
The 20-year contract grants Cox access to a 226-kilometer (140-mile) segment of fiber optic infrastructure. This capacity will be used to support a Schools and Libraries Program (E-rate) project dedicated to connecting educational institutions along the I-17 corridor.
This partnership marks eX² Technology’s second major dark fiber commercialization deal, following an initial agreement with Wecom Fiber announced in July 2025. It represents a key expansion of the broadband infrastructure available on ADOT’s state network.
This growing network includes existing dark fiber and conduit assets along I-19 from Tucson to Nogales, plus a 325-kilometer project currently under construction along I-40W from Flagstaff to the California border, which is estimated for completion in late 2026.
The infrastructure is a core component of Arizona’s State Half Mile Program. Backed by over US$140 million in federal and state funding, the program aims to enhance connectivity in underserved and unserved areas by facilitating connections between local providers and major internet hubs. It is designed to complement last-mile initiatives like the federal BEAD program and E-rate, forming a key part of the broader ConnectAllAZ strategy.
For Cox Communications, this agreement provides the critical middle-mile infrastructure needed to expand its high-speed network services to the community of Black Canyon City. The project will connect approximately 1,700 homes, a school, a public library, a post office, and local businesses, enabling the company to offer higher-speed internet and expanded service availability in the region.
Since 2024, eX² Technology has held the contract to manage the operation, maintenance, and commercial marketing of ADOT’s telecommunications assets. This portfolio includes dark fiber, conduits, and wireless infrastructure along the I-17, I-19, and I-40W corridors, as well as future rights-of-way along I-10 and I-8.
