A big step forward for broadband internet access in Greater Arizona

Thousands of Arizonans will benefit from an agreement announced this week involving fiber-optic conduit that ADOT has installed along Interstate 17. Around 30,000 homes and businesses between Phoenix and Flagstaff will have access to broadband internet thanks to Wecom Fiber becoming the first firm to gain long-term use of conduit along I-17 and I-19 and being installed along I-40 west of Flagstaff.

This agreement stems from ADOT’s partnership with eX² Technology to operate, maintain and lease space in fiber-optic conduit along state highways.  

This conduit is part of Arizona’s middle-mile program, made possible by a state law that lets private companies use conduit along ADOT highways to provide broadband service. ADOT is working in partnership the Arizona Commerce Authority and under the leadership of Governor Katie Hobbs. The goal: bolstering Arizona’s digital infrastructure by connecting underserved communities and bridging the digital divide to support economic growth and innovation.

And with this fiber-optic conduit being along interstates, there’s also a payoff for the motorists who use those highways. ADOT will use the broadband capacity for intelligent transportation systems technology, such as overhead message boards, traffic cameras, weather stations and wrong-way driving detection. One of those projects is underway now on I-19 between Tucson and Nogales, where wrong-way detection systems are being installed.

The infrastructure also lays the groundwork for emerging technologies like connected automated vehicles.

To learn more about the statewide initiative to expand reliable, high-speed internet across Arizona, visit the State Broadband Office at www.azcommerce.com/broadband.