Governor Katie Hobbs (D-AZ) has announced that Arizona received federal approval this week for a plan to expand high-speed internet access across the state.
The project totals $967 million and aims to connect households to high-speed internet by 2030. The plan includes both urban and rural areas, tribal lands, and remote communities currently without reliable internet service.
"Opportunity for every Arizonan means access to fast, affordable, reliable internet, no matter your zip code," Hobbs said. "With this historic investment, we're not just closing the digital divide, but also opening doors to economic opportunity in every corner of our state."
The funding combines $447 million in federal money with $520 million from private companies. The plan will connect approximately 160,000 households and 1,256 community locations.
Additionally, workers will lay more than 7,700 miles of fiber-optic cable, which carries internet data. According to Hobbs, the expansion addresses needs in education and healthcare.
Impact on Communities
Rural and tribal areas represent a significant portion of the expansion. Many Arizona residents living outside major cities currently have limited or no access to high-speed internet.
Roland Maldonado, chairman of the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians, described the program as addressing connectivity challenges in his northern Arizona community, which has limited access to cellular networks and fiber optics.
“On behalf of the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians, I wish to express our appreciation and gratitude for this BEAD program and the prospect of connectivity,” he expressed.
Along with Maldonado, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) both expressed support for the approval, with Gallego noting he helped include the program in federal infrastructure legislation.
Pinal County will receive over $62 million under the plan, while Mohave County is allocated $55.4 million for internet infrastructure development.
Following one additional federal review, Arizona will be able to access the funding and begin construction, expected to start in early 2026.
The project represents a significant investment, is part of Governor Hobbs' ConnectAllAZ initiative, and is expected to create around 5,000 jobs.
