Expanding Broad Band in Rural Arizona

By Zara Glidden

Access to high-speed broadband internet has become a necessity for many businesses, students, health services and entrepreneurs. While urban areas tend to have easy access, it is a different story in more rural communities. With so many of its citizens depending on reliable high-speed internet, the state of Arizona is taking steps to meet that need. ADOT is currently exploring its options for expanding high-speed access in rural Arizona.

What would this expansion mean for businesses in Central Arizona?

In a word, plenty. In a year where many of us have spent time learning to work from home, one lesson we’ve all learned is that having a quality, reliable connection isn’t optional.

In 2019, Governor Ducey proposed initiatives to invest over 50 million dollars into broadband development for rural Arizona. The designated investment areas include: Interstate 17 between Sunset Point and Flagstaff, Interstate 40 between the Arizona-New Mexico and Arizona-California borders, and Interstate 19 between Tucson and Nogales.

In Central and Northern Arizona, including the greater Prescott area, this expansion will mean safer highways, better tech capabilities for healthcare facilities, and more support for automated/self-driving vehicles. Via private sector partnerships, it could also expand growth opportunities for tech-oriented businesses. In today’s world, that means every business will benefit.

What is Broadband?

Broadband is a type of always-on connection, high-speed that combines multiple signals on different bands on the same line. Most people think of it simply as a high-speed internet connection.

Much faster than old dialup services, it can be delivered over various mediums such as DSL, cable, satellite, and fiber-optic. Broadband is already established in Arizona’s metro areas and towns including Prescott and Prescott Valley. However, it has yet to benefit rural areas surrounding the quad cities.

How Could Expanded Broadband Make a Difference?

High-speed internet throughout Arizona would mean more connections on every level for regions like ours. In addition to improved highway safety, improved broadband connectivity could make a difference for any business that utilizes technology. In Northern Arizona, where the tech sector is taking off like never before, it would increase our visibility and help sustain smart growth. Local officials are looking forward to seeing broadband investments pay off in more jobs and better work opportunities.

Mayor Terry Nolan of Dewey-Humboldt wrote: “Broadband in [this] area would make a world of difference. It would allow for telemedicine and help senior citizens to contact their doctors over the internet … It would also allow residents in our area to work from home.”

Mayor Nolan went on to explain that “working from home” also applies to schoolchildren. Not only should adults be able to take their work home when necessary, but it’s important to understand how high-speed connection could positively impact the student experience. This year’s season of working and learning at home won’t last forever, but it has shown how impactful rural development could be.

As the state weighs its options on how to move forward towards expanded broadband, Northern Arizona can look forward to better technology, faster connections, new opportunities to grow, and the competitive edge we need to stand out in our statewide, national, and global economy.