State, local, federal, and tribal officials begin construction of transformative projects
Kingman, Arizona – Yesterday, Governor Katie Hobbs and Wecom Fiber joined local, federal, and tribal partners to break ground on a project that will bring affordable, high-speed internet to an estimated 32,500 Arizonans in Mohave and La Paz counties and the Hualapai Reservation. I attended the meeting along with related parties.
“With this historic investment, we are on track to close Arizona's deep digital divide, and we are committed to helping unserved and underserved Arizonans, especially in tribal and rural communities. It brings people together.” Governor Katie Hobbs said:. “As our reliance on digital services increases, it is important that we enable our employees, businesses and community services to keep up with demand, and I am committed to achieving that.”
The construction of 3,250 miles of multi-gigabit broadband fiber will not only support an estimated 250 jobs in the near term, but also provide broader economic, educational and other benefits to Arizona communities that have been absent for years. Profit will come.
“Wecom Fiber is excited to play a key role in bridging the digital divide by bringing affordable, high-speed internet to tens of thousands of Arizonans in western Arizona and the Hualapai Reservation. I am thinking.” Wycombe CEO Paul Fleming said.. “Reliable broadband is no longer a luxury; it is essential infrastructure for businesses, job seekers, students undertaking distance learning, patients utilizing telemedicine, and more who need access to online marketplaces. We thank Governor Hobbs and our state, local, tribal and federal partners for their support of this important project.”
This ambitious $54 million project is powered by a public-private partnership that includes state and federal grants. In 2022, Kingman-based internet provider Wecom will award a competitive $10 million Arizona Broadband Development Grant to bring high-speed internet to Mojave and La Paz counties. Obtained. Separately, Wecom was awarded a $3.2 million USDA ReConnect Grant to build broadband fiber to the Hualapai Reservation.
“Our beautiful Hualapai Reservation is remote, but reliable broadband service puts the world at our fingertips.” said Shelley J. Parker, Chairman of Hualapai. “This will be a real transformation for the Hualapai people, our businesses, public safety, health care facilities, schools, libraries and more.”
Hundreds of thousands of Arizonans currently lack access to high-speed internet. Closing this digital divide is a priority for the Hobbs Administration, connecting local businesses with online marketplaces, supporting students, and facilitating telehealth, public safety, and countless other opportunities.
“Rural Arizona needs the same reliable, high-speed internet as big cities.” said Holly Irwin, chairwoman of the La Paz County Board of Supervisors.. “We are pleased to work with Wycombe to support this broadband expansion that will improve economic opportunity and quality of life across western Arizona.”
“Mohave County has led the way in expanding affordable, high-speed internet because we know how important it is to our residents.” said Mohave County Board of Supervisors Chairman Travis Lingenfelter.. “Access to reliable broadband should not depend on a person’s home address, which is why I am excited to complete this project and continue to expand high-speed internet access in rural areas in western Arizona and across the state. I look forward to it.”
In February, Wecom broadband internet will launch for the first customers in Mohave and La Paz counties and the Hualapai Reservation. The tribal project is expected to be completed in April 2024, with the Mohave and La Paz County portions to be completed by June 2025.
