Arizona receives nearly $1 billion in federal funding for broadband expansion

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The goal to provide every household in Arizona with reliable, high-speed broadband internet is one step closer to reality as the state received nearly $1 billion in funding from the federal government.

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration approved Arizona’s Initial Proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, allowing the state to request access to funding and begin implementing the program projects across the state.

“Broadband is the thread that connects all of us, and with this funding, we are going to make sure our networks are accessible, reliable, and affordable for every Arizonan,” Gov. Katie Hobbs said in a press release .

Arizona was allotted more than $993 million to deploy or upgrade high-speed Internet networks across the state.

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“For too long, access to high-speed Internet was seen as a luxury instead of a necessity,” Hobbs said. “The reality is that broadband plays an essential role in people’s lives; whether it is access to education, basic healthcare services, applying for jobs, working remotely or starting a small business, Internet connectivity is a necessity.”

According to the NITA, the BEAD program is part of the Biden administration’s “Internet for All” initiative and is a $42 billion state grant program authorized by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“In the 21st century, a reliable Internet connection is a necessity that enables access to jobs, health care, and education,” U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in a press release .

Raimondo said that, through the Biden administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Department of Commerce is committed to ensuring that everyone in Arizona and across the country has access to quality, affordable high-speed Internet.

“Arizona can move their Internet for All efforts from planning to action,” said Alan Davison, the assistant secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator. “I congratulate the Arizona Commerce Authority for developing a strong proposal for how they will connect all of their residents to high-speed Internet service.”

Once Arizona meets its deployment goals, any remaining funding can be used on high-speed internet adoption, training, and workforce development efforts.

The Arizona Commerce Authority State Broadband Office established four main objectives for the BEAD Program deployment: broadband deployment; closing the digital divide; addressing access, affordability, equity or adoption issues; and enhancing economic growth and job creation.

Arizona Commerce Authority President and CEO Sandra Watson said the funding announcement represents a historical milestone that’s been years in the making following countless hours of engaging with local community partners.

“Access to reliable, high-speed internet is closely connected with economic opportunity, especially in our rural communities,” Watson said. “We’re grateful to Governor Hobbs for her leadership and all of our federal, state, and local partners for their continued collaboration.”

The Arizona Commerce Authority reported that the Federal Communication Commission’s Broadband Map shows that about 12% of Arizona households do not have access to an internet connection capable of achieving download speeds of 100 Megabits per second with an upload speed of 20 Megabits per second (100/20 Mbps).

“These areas are predominantly rural and tribal communities and face additional barriers to access, such as Arizona’s geographic diversity and expansive rural regions with low population densities,” the Arizona Commerce Authority stated.

Lack of access to high-speed internet in underserved and unserved areas can result in limited economic opportunities, reduced access to education and healthcare services, and social isolation, among other negative impacts, according to a report from the NTIA.

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly said that the funding provided will give every Arizonan access to reliable high-speed internet, regardless of where they live.

“Expanding broadband access is crucial for economic development, education, and healthcare, especially in rural and underserved communities,” Kelly said in a press release.

Sen. Kyrsten Sinema echoed Kelly’s statement, saying that the funding authorized through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will make the Internet more accessible and affordable for Arizonans in all corners of the state.

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