Broadband Projects

Public-private partnership to manage, maintain and lease fiber-optic conduit along highways

PHOENIX – The state’s goal of expanding broadband internet access in rural areas is taking a big step forward with a public-private partnership.

Current broadband projects include I-17, I-19 & I-40. These projects are designed to be open-access, middle-mile broadband projects. Duraline armored 7-way multi-duct conduit is used, along with 3 pull boxes every 3,000 feet and a node building approximately every 50 miles. A neutral, third-party provider known as the OMC (Operate-Maintain-Commercialize) vendor,  will be responsible for leasing fiber and ducts along the routes.