Brady PieperArizona is embarking on several broadband expansion efforts that will provide more than $1 billion in funding to connect all unserved residents across the state to reliable, high speed internet service.
The ConnectAllAZ initiative looks to centralize the state’s broadband expansion initiatives and formalize the state’s next steps towards eclipsing the digital divide. Arizona, in partnership with several public and private entities and federal and state agencies, will invest millions in grants to accomplish its mission: universal broadband for all.
Managed by the State Broadband Office, ConnectAllAZ will house several grant programs and funding initiatives that encompass first-, middle- and last-mile broadband connections statewide. With more than $1 billion in combined funding opportunities, the initiative seeks to streamline the state’s broadband expansion efforts and ensure all unserved Arizonians may access the benefits of broadband service by 2030.
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Emphasizing transparency, ConnectAllAZ will also launch a comprehensive online portal to offer additional resources and information on several broadband programs, community engagement opportunities and state resources as the initiative progresses.
The state will leverage support from federal grant programs, state capital funds and public-private partnerships to fund this ambitious initiative. Primarily, Arizona’s broadband agenda will be bankrolled by a $993 million investment from the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program, a $42.45 billion federal grant program that funds affordable, reliable, high-speed internet projects around the nation.
Representing the largest investment in broadband expansion in state history, this federal BEAD funding will provide the State Broadband Office with enough capital to invest into transformative infrastructure projects that develop dependable and affordable broadband networks for work, education, healthcare and tourism. Following this announcement, Arizona’s BEAD program will enter the pre-qualification phase.
Eligible entities looking to get involved in Arizona’s BEAD program are strongly encouraged to apply now, during the pre-registration period, prior to the subgrantee application window opening on Jan. 6. The broadband office anticipates this pre-registration period will allow for applicants to prioritize project-related elements when the main application rounds begin.
In addition to the BEAD Program, the initiative will encompass Arizona’s $16 million Digital Equity Program, which outlines the state’s Digital Equity Plan and long-term solutions to connect unserved and underserved locations to internet service. This program, while also supporting broadband expansion projects, seeks to ensure that residents not only have access to the internet but also possess the digital skills and technology needed to fully participate in the digital economy.
ConnectAllAZ will also house the Arizona Broadband Development Grant Program, which has already delivered approximately $100 million in total awards to expand internet access across the state.
Another significant component of the ConnectAllAZ initiative is the $152 million Arizona Statewide Broadband Middle-Mile Program, which delivers funding to projects that build out critical infrastructure and improve broadband access in unserved and underserved areas. By enhancing the middle segment of the broadband network, the state anticipates stronger connections between local communities and major internet hubs.
The middle-mile program supports the state’s Broadband Middle-Mile Strategic Plan and also includes a $3 million separate grant initiative for rural locations around Arizona.
Photo by Field Engineer
