Arizona Broadband
Arizona Broadband Development Grant Program
The Arizona Broadband Development Grant Program (ABDG) is the largest broadband investment in the state's history. The $100 million investment will expand high-speed broadband to Arizona's unserved and underserved areas. Grant program applications are now closed.
The Arizona Commerce Authority announced the Arizona Broadband Development Grant Program awardees in July 2022. To view the press release, click here.
Investments in Broadband
The Arizona Commerce Authority coordinates broadband development activities in partnership with state and local government stakeholders and the private sector to streamline regulatory hurdles and maximize strategic broadband funding for Arizona.
Reliable, high-speed internet has become an essential element of 21st-century life. It’s as ubiquitous as electricity, water and transportation. Increased connectivity impacts public health and safety, education, health care and transportation across both rural and metropolitan communities. The ACA works to expand the state's digital infrastructure statewide to improve the economy and quality of life of today’s Arizonans.
Arizona has made broadband deployment a top priority.
- As part of Arizona’s fiscal year 2020 budget, Arizona allocated $3 million in taxpayer funding to again act as grant match dollars to leverage additional federal resources to accelerate broadband deployment in underserved areas.
- In April 2019, Verizon announced Phoenix will be among the first 20 U.S. markets to receive the company’s 5G Ultra Wideband network. The launch will strengthen Arizona’s wireless infrastructure, allowing the state to continue paving the way for advances in automated transportation, telemedicine, consumer applications and more.
- In Arizona’s fiscal year 2019 budget, the state dedicated a total of $11 million to leverage a combined $110 million in federal E-Rate funding to connect our rural schools and libraries.
- In 2017, Governor Ducey signed legislation making Arizona the first state in the nation to streamline the deployment of technology enabling next-gen 5G wireless communication.
Broadband Middle-Mile Strategic Plan
The Arizona Commerce Authority’s Arizona Statewide Broadband Middle-Mile Strategic Plan has led to the creation of the Statewide Middle-Mile Network, which aims to increase broadband service along I-17 and I-19 and future expansion along the additional interstate and state highways. Designated corridors for fiber optic conduit installation for the Middle-Mile Network include 141 miles for I-17 between Flagstaff and Phoenix and 60 miles for I-19 between Tucson and Nogales. Combined, both routes will add 200 miles of broadband conduit by early 2023. Click here to learn more about the statewide initiative.
Arizona Broadband Workshops
The Arizona Commerce Authority — in partnership with BroadbandUSA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and Economic Development Administration (EDA) — has launched a new webinar series, the Arizona Broadband Workshops. For more information, visit the page.
COVID-19 ARIZONA BUSINESS RESOURCES
The State of Arizona is prioritizing the health and safety of its residents. Businesses in the state are adhering closely to the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Arizona Department of Health Services.
The Arizona Commerce Authority has gathered resources to support businesses and employees as they help combat the spread of COVID-19. This site will be updated regularly as new information becomes available.
Please visit the site for information on how broadband and service providers are supporting businesses.