Arizona to allocate $99M in pandemic relief for broadband

Communities across rural Arizona may soon welcome high-speed internet into their neighborhoods for the first time thanks to more than $99 million in pandemic relief funds that will be directed toward expanding broadband throughout the state.

Late last month, the U.S. Department of Treasury approved the state’s plan to use more than half of Arizona’s Capital Projects Fund allocation through the American Rescue Plan Act to fund broadband infrastructure. These funds will be allocated through two programs focused specifically on the different needs of the state’s rural and urban counties.

“Today’s investment in Arizona increases connectivity across our state, ensuring everyday Arizonans have access to high-speed internet no matter where they live,” said Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema when the funding was announced.

“By closing the digital divide, we’re delivering real solutions to Arizonans as they gain meaningful careers, access needed health care services, continue their educations, and connect with loved ones they hold dear,” she said.

To date, Arizona has received $5 million through the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program to help provide high-speed internet across the state.

Experts also estimate that more than a million Arizona households are eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program which cuts internet bills buy up to $30 per month or $75 for households on tribal lands.

In addition to these funds, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill allocated $65 billion to provide affordable, highspeed internet for every American, including Arizona where an estimated 14% of residents don’t have adequate broadband infrastructure.

In January, newly-elected Gov. Katie Hobbs laid out her legislative priorities which included a focus on broadband infrastructure, ultimately asking the state legislature for more than $70 million to support that goal.