Significant Broadband Connectivity Agreement Enhances Arizona's Digital Landscape

Expanding Broadband Connectivity in Arizona

In a significant advancement for digital infrastructure, eX² Technology along with local internet service providers and government officials have announced a landmark agreement aimed at enhancing broadband access across Arizona. This initiative comes as part of the Arizona Statewide Middle-Mile Program and is centered on a groundbreaking agreement known as the dark fiber Indefeasible Right of Use (IRU).

The core of this agreement involves the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) allowing eX² Technology to utilize a segment of its infrastructure along the I-17 right of way. This strategic partnership promises to expand high-capacity connectivity throughout the state, ultimately benefiting rural and underserved communities.

The first recipient of IRU is Wecom Fiber, a prominent broadband provider in Arizona which will gain long-term access to a 141-mile stretch of dark fiber. This fiber will significantly boost Wecom’s capability to deliver secure and scalable bandwidth to its expanding network. While focusing on connecting the areas between Northern Arizona and Phoenix, this new route is also well-positioned to establish connectivity to major data centers and cloud services, further enriching Arizona's digital landscape.

Once fully operational, the dark fiber infrastructure will be able to serve approximately 30,000 different households and businesses situated along the I-17 corridor, which runs from Phoenix to Flagstaff. The first customers are projected to start receiving internet services as early as the end of 2025.

Governor Katie Hobbs expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, "We are delivering affordable, reliable internet to people across Arizona, and today, we are closer to achieving that mission." This sentiment underscores her commitment to equitable internet access for all Arizonans, enabling them to leverage opportunities in the modern digital economy.

Jay Jorgensen, the Chief Operating Officer of eX² Technology, emphasized that this partnership signifies a crucial step in maximizing the state's infrastructure for the betterment of its citizens. The initiative aims not only to provide robust internet solutions but also to support long-term infrastructure development and digital equity in aria.

Paul Fleming, the CEO of Wecom Fiber, further highlighted the impact of this collaboration, stating, "Through this strategic partnership with eX² Technology and the State of Arizona, Wecom will utilize a new fiber route to deliver fiber broadband Internet to adjacent communities more quickly and at lower cost." This dedication to bridging the digital divide illustrates a transformative step towards ensuring reliable, affordable internet for every home and business in Arizona.

ADOT's dark fiber network, which spans the I-17 corridor, as well as routes along I-19 and I-40, has been partially funded by more than $140 million in federal dollars directed by the state. The commercialization of these network assets is part of a larger strategy to strengthen Arizona's digital infrastructure, facilitate economic growth, and connect isolated urban and rural communities.

Jennifer Toth, ADOT’s Director, remarked that this agreement pushes broadband Internet further from the state highways into communities, enhancing educational access, telemedicine services, and other vital resources that depend on reliable internet connectivity.

Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, reaffirmed the project's importance, stating, "Today's announcement marks a significant milestone towards connecting all Arizonans with reliable, high-speed internet." She highlighted the ongoing enhancements to Arizona’s infrastructure and thanked all partners involved in this project.

In light of these developments, eX² Technology’s commitment to providing operations, maintenance, and commercialization for broadband infrastructure along several key interstate highways promises a bright future for Arizona's connectivity landscape, aspiring to ensure that every resident has access to the tools necessary for thriving in today’s digital age.

For more details regarding the dark fiber and related infrastructure projects, visit eX² Technology's website.