In a significant advancement for statewide connectivity, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has confirmed the go-ahead for Volume II of Arizona’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program application. With this approval, a hefty sum of $993 million in federal funds is poised to be deployed to ensure that everyone in the state has access to dependable internet services, according to the Office of the Governor. This critical update follows more than a year of groundwork that included public input and comprehensive planning alongside local stakeholders, aiming to maximize the impact and equitable distribution of resources.
“Broadband is the thread that connects all of us, and with this funding we are going to make sure our networks are accessible, reliable, and affordable for every Arizonan,” Governor Hobbs said, as stated by the Office of the Governor. The governor emphasizes the program’s potential to catalyze not only improved connectivity but also job creation, stronger communities, and an enhanced overall quality of life in Arizona. These developments, spurred by significant federal investments, are anticipated to sculpt Arizona’s path toward a more interconnected and prosperous future.
The Arizona Commerce Authority echoed this sentiment, with its President and CEO, Sandra Watson, championing the initiative as “a historic milestone that’s been years in the making.” Access to high-speed internet is tightly woven with economic opportunities, especially for rural regions often left behind in the digital divide. “Today’s announcement represents a critical next step that will lead to new jobs, stronger communities, and better quality of life. We are going to continue working day in and day out to ensure these funds help create a thriving Arizona for everyone,” Watson told azgovernor.gov.
For those interested in delving into the specifics of Arizona’s broadband strategy, detailed proposals for both Volume I and Volume II are available for review on the governor’s official website.
