GRAHAM COUNTY, AZ (June 5, 2026)  – The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), alongside Valley TeleCom Group and Graham County leadership celebrated a milestone for connecting rural communities in Arizona with the launch of the county’s new fiber-internet network at an event held on June 1, 2026. 

 
Supported by a $4.8 million investment through the ACA’s Arizona Broadband Development Grant program, the 65-mile project will deliver high‑speed internet to 440 homes and businesses across Bryce, Eden, and Fort Thomas communities located in Graham County. Construction is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2026. 

“In today’s digital economy, it is imperative that our communities have access to fast, affordable, and reliable internet,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “This investment in Graham County will help close the digital divide and expand opportunities for residents. Thank you to Valley TeleCom, the Arizona Commerce Authority, and all our partners for helping advance this critical project.” 

 

“The Graham County fiber-internet network launch represents a milestone that builds on strategic investments to expand broadband access statewide,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “Reliable, quality internet access is critical to strengthening economic development in rural communities, and this new network will connect residents in Graham County to healthcare, education opportunities, and support small business growth.” 

 

“This project represents more than infrastructure; it’s an investment in the communities we call home,” said Troy Judd, CEO, Valley TeleCom Group. “As a member-owned cooperative, Valley is committed to ensuring rural areas like Bryce, Eden, and Ft. Thomas have access to the reliable, advanced broadband needed to support education, healthcare, and economic growth. We’re proud to partner with Graham County and the Arizona Commerce Authority to bring these opportunities to the people of this region and help position the community for long-term success.” 

 

“Graham County expresses deep appreciation to the Arizona Commerce Authority for administering and providing $4.6 million in funding to connect over 440 homes and businesses in  Bryce, Eden and Ft. Thomas to the internet with fiber optic cables or wireless internet,” said Paul R. David, Chairman, Graham County Board of Supervisors. “Valley TeleCom was an invaluable partner with Graham County as they provided over $650,000 (in addition to our $250,000) in matching funds which ultimately led to approval or our joint application. This vital connectivity project will benefit current and future residents in these communities.”      

 

Project details for each community: 

• Bryce: The project covers the Bryce area along the Gila River, north of State Route 70. The network will extend from North Bryce Eden Road eastbound to North Reay Lane.
• Eden: This segment spans from the McEuen Ranch/Geronimo Road area eastbound to Bryce, following the Gila River north of State Route 70.
• Fort Thomas: Infrastructure will run eastbound on State Route 70 from the south and west of town, extending past McEuen Road. 

Valley TeleCom is providing a 10 percent local match of $464,000, and Graham County is supporting with $250,000 towards the network. 

 

More on Arizona’s Broadband Expansion 

In December 2025, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) approved Arizona’s Broadband Equity, Access & Deployment Program (BEAD) Final Proposal — unlocking $967 million to expand broadband infrastructure across the state. Arizona’s plan, developed and overseen by the ACA, outlines 70 project areas with roughly 160,000 eligible households and 1,256 underserved community anchor institutions such as schools, libraries, and hospitals. The plan will enable the installation of more than 7,709 miles of fiber topic technology, create about 5,000 jobs, and connect hundreds of thousands of Arizonans to fast, reliable, affordable internet. 

To learn more about Arizona’s broadband initiatives and programs visit: ConnectAllAZ.com.

Media Contact

Alyssa Tufts, Arizona Commerce Authority, [email protected]

About the Arizona Commerce Authority
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona's economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create - attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on X @azcommerce.

About Valley TeleCom Group 
Valley TeleCom Group is a local telecommunications company that provides high-speed Internet, phone, and business solutions to southeast Arizona and southwest New Mexico. With offices in Clifton, AZ; Safford, AZ; and Willcox, AZ, Valley has been delivering reliable services since 1962. Learn more at vtc.net.