PHOENIX – Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced a important settlement Tuesday requiring Verizon and Frontier Communications to invest $8 million in rural broadband infrastructure and address 911 service reliability issues in Navajo and Apache counties.
The agreement, stemming from an investigation into service outages and inadequate infrastructure, aims to improve internet and phone service for residents who have long faced unreliable connectivity, impacting public safety, local businesses, and emergency response capabilities. The settlement includes enforceable commitments to invest in rural broadband, resolve public safety-related service disruptions, and shield customers from unjustifiable costs.
Attorney General mayes characterized the settlement as “a big step” toward delivering “the high-quality service” deserved by these communities.
“For too long, residents in Navajo and Apache counties have suffered from unreliable internet and phone service that has jeopardized public safety, hurt local businesses and put lives at risk during emergencies,” Mayes stated in a press release. The Attorney General’s Office began investigating complaints of frequent outages and slow internet speeds in 2023, leading to the negotiations with the telecommunications companies.
The $8 million investment will be divided equally between improving internet bandwidth and enhancing fiber network reliability. Specifically, $4 million will be allocated to upgrade the fiber network connecting the following communities:
- Holbrook
- Snowflake
- Show Low
- St. Johns
- Concho
- Springerville
- Vernon
The remaining $4 million will be used to improve internet access for homes,businesses,and public institutions throughout the affected areas. This includes potential upgrades to existing infrastructure and expansion of fiber optic lines.
Details of the Arizona Rural Broadband Settlement
Beyond the financial investment, Verizon is obligated to pinpoint and rectify the underlying causes of 911 and public safety outages in the region and implement more robust maintenance protocols. This includes a comprehensive review of network infrastructure and emergency call routing systems.
Customers of Frontier Communications,acquired by Verizon in May 2023 for $10.5 billion, will see their rates frozen until 2027. Furthermore, thay will qualify for discounted “low-income service plans,” offering affordable internet access options. Eligibility criteria for these plans will be determined by income guidelines established by the state of Arizona.
Mayes warned that any non-compliance with the settlement terms will result in legal action. The agreement is filed as State of Arizona v. Verizon wireless LLC and Frontier Communications of America, Inc. in the Superior Court of Arizona, County of Maricopa.
The settlement also requires Verizon and Frontier to submit regular reports to the Attorney General’s Office detailing their progress in implementing the agreed-upon improvements. These reports will be publicly available on the Attorney General’s website.
