Arizona Accelerates Broadband Expansion Through Strategic Partnership
PHOENIX, AZ – Arizona is taking a important leap forward in its mission to enhance digital connectivity across the state. The Arizona commerce Authority (ACA) and the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) have finalized an agreement with eX Technology, a move poised to bring high-speed internet to underserved communities and bolster economic development.This collaboration focuses on commercializing ADOT’s extensive dark fiber network, a critical piece of infrastructure that runs along major state highways. The network currently spans I-17 from the Phoenix metropolitan area to Flagstaff, I-19 from Tucson to nogales, and I-40 West from Flagstaff to the California border, with further expansion planned for I-10 and I-8 corridors. The development of this dark fiber route was substantially supported by over $140 million in federal funding directed by the state.
the commercialization of these network assets is a cornerstone of Arizona’s broader strategy to improve its digital infrastructure. The initiative aims to connect both rural and underserved urban areas, thereby fostering economic growth, encouraging innovation, and actively working to bridge the digital divide.
ADOT Director Jennifer Toth highlighted the significance of the agreement, stating, “This agreement represents a major step forward by advancing broadband internet from the framework being established along state highways into communities where people will benefit from better access to educational opportunities, telemedicine and much more. Making broadband widely available, reliable and affordable to all empowers Arizona’s economy for everyone.”
Echoing this sentiment, Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, remarked, “Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone towards connecting all Arizonans with reliable, high-speed internet. arizona continues to make significant enhancements to our already highly-ranked infrastructure, and we’re grateful to Governor Hobbs, eX, ADOT, and all of our partners on this work.”
In 2024, eX Technology secured a 20-year contract with ADOT and the ACA. This contract designates eX Technology to manage the operations, maintenance, and commercialization of ADOT’s conduit, dark fiber, and wireless network assets. This initial transaction is the first in a series of planned opportunities to leverage ADOT’s infrastructure for additional Indefeasible Right of Use (IRU) sales and the delivery of lit services.
For further details regarding dark fiber and conduit availability along ADOT’s right of way, interested parties can visit ex2technology.com/adot.
Media Contact:
Alyssa Tufts
Arizona Commerce Authority
[email protected]
About the Arizona Commerce Authority:
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) serves as the state’s primary economic development organization, dedicated to growing and strengthening Arizona’s economy. The ACA employs a three-part strategy: attracting out-of-state companies, supporting the expansion of existing Arizona businesses, and assisting entrepreneurs in launching new ventures within targeted industries.More information is available at azcommerce.com, and the ACA can be followed on X at @azcommerce.
