Arizona Statewide Middle-Mile Program

Arizona’s Statewide Middle-Mile Program focuses on developing critical infrastructure needed to connect local networks to larger, high-capacity national and global internet backbones. The program aims to enhance broadband access to unserved and underserved areas by improving the middle segment of the network, which links local providers to major internet hubs.  
 
Launched in February 2022, the Arizona Broadband Statewide Middle-Mile Strategic Plan was developed to support broadband expansion efforts along Interstate 17, Interstate 19 and Interstate 40, in partnership with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). These “Broadband Corridors” along Arizona highways include fiber optic conduit installation to compliment Arizona’s last-mile programs such as BEAD, Digital Equity and E-Rate programs. 

Arizona Statewide Broadband Middle-Mile Strategic Plan

Arizona Statewide Broadband Middle-Mile Strategic Plan Goals

Under the leadership of Governor Hobbs, the state of Arizona is committed to ensuring that all Arizonans can participate fully and securely in the digital landscape. The Arizona Broadband Statewide Middle-Mile Strategic Plan goals include:    

Goal 1:

Expand long-haul and middle-mile connectivity to unserved and underserved rural Arizonans in ways that balance speed of development and cost-effectiveness, with an emphasis on private-sector broadband investments.

Goal 2:

Help local communities identify the middle-mile fiber that they can leverage to complete last-mile projects. 

Goal 3:

Identify a governance structure to apply – and best contend for – available federal broadband programs in-line with an articulated statewide strategic plan. 

Goal 4:

Identify other opportunities to improve access to fast, affordable and reliable internet in tribal nations and rural areas.

Goal 5:

Build up and sustain broadband capacity to support use of technology for educational purposes at home and at school.