Mayes Announces Settlement to Secure Broadband Investment in Navajo, Apache Counties

Arizona Attorney General (AG) Kris Mayes announced a recent settlement with Frontier Communications and Verizon to secure their investment in broadband infrastructure in Navajo and Apache Counties.

The terms of the agreement with the companies include $8 million to expand and enhance phone and internet service in the area, with half ($4 million) going toward connecting homes, businesses, and public institutions directly to high-speed fiber.

Another $2 million will be invested specifically in improving fiber reliability between Holbrook, Snowflake, and Show Low. In comparison, the remaining $2 million enhances the connection between St. Johns, Concho, Springerville, Vernon, and Show Low.

Finally, other provisions include fixing public safety-related service outages and protecting ratepayers from unfair costs.

The settlement was secured through AG Mayes via the Arizona Corporation Commission as well as a civil consent judgment.

"For too long, residents in Navajo and Apache counties have suffered from unreliable internet and phone service that has jeopardized public safety, hurt local businesses, and put lives at risk during emergencies," said AG Mayes, adding, "These settlements will hold Frontier and Verizon accountable to the communities they serve, bring major investments in broadband infrastructure, and represent a big step in ensuring that residents in these rural areas receive the high-quality service they deserve. If these providers fail to live up to these commitments, I will not hesitate to go to court to compel compliance."

Arizona is set to become a new tech mecca in the coming years, with Governor Katie Hobbs (D-AZ) recently approving $2 million to investigate the economic possibilities of flying vehicles.

In March, the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) announced it would invest $100 billion over the next several years, including the potential opening of a factory in the Grand Canyon State.

Representative Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ) commented on the investment and the jobs it will bring to Arizonans, saying, "We have got a very talented veteran workforce, and I know that is what they are committed to doing. I am going to make sure and hold them accountable to that, but it is going to be big for our economy, and Arizona is quickly becoming the number one hub for data centers and semiconductor microchips."