Prepares Arizona Medium-Distance Broadband Strategic Plan

ARIZONA – The Arizona Commerce Authority, in collaboration with the Department of Transportation (ADOT), has announced a Statewide Broadband Middle Mile Strategic Plan, which calls for the extension of service on Interstates I-17 and I-19 and future expansion along other roadways.

Designated corridors for installation of fiber optic conduit for the Middle Mile Network include 141 miles for I-17 between Flagstaff and Phoenix, as well as 60 miles for I-19 between Tucson and Nogales. Both routes combined will add 200 miles of broadband conduit by early 2023.

“This next phase of broadband expansion will strengthen Arizonans’ connection to educational programs, medical services, public safety and jobs,” said Gov. Doug Ducey.

The Strategic Plan identifies 726,357 Arizona households within five miles of interstate and state highways that are underserved or have insufficient basic broadband connectivity. The upgrades will have the capacity to serve 148,305 of these homes.

I-17, I-19, I-10 and I-40 are identified as the highest priority in the Strategic Plan, representing about 90 percent of the overall potential for major interstate highways. The work will need to support reliable and affordable minimum speeds of 100 Megabits per second (Mbps) downstream and 20 Mbps upstream for population centers and businesses located within five miles of interstate highways and state routes.

The broadband expansion is intended to help address public and private sector connectivity needs, promote economic development, enhance public safety, and encourage innovation in the adoption of modern technology and support environmental sustainability.

In 2022. Arizona allocated US$100 million to the Arizona Broadband Development Grant to fund the development of broadband throughout the state.

Source: MEXICONOW Staff