Arizona strikes 20-year agreement with Cox for 141-mile fiber line
PHOENIX (UI) — Arizona is expanding its rural broadband infrastructure through a new 20-year agreement allowing Cox Communications to lease dark fiber installed along Interstate 17, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).
The lease covers a 141-mile segment of unused fiber conduit between Phoenix and Flagstaff. Officials said the project directly supports a federal E-rate grant aimed at connecting schools and libraries along the corridor.
Governor Katie Hobbs called the agreement “a key milestone in putting affordable, reliable internet within reach of more Arizona families and communities.”
The deal builds on earlier agreements managed by eX² Technology, which oversees commercialization of ADOT’s conduit and fiber assets. In addition to I-17, ADOT is developing similar middle-mile routes on I-19 from Tucson to Nogales and a 202-mile project on I-40 from Flagstaff to the California border, expected to finish in 2026. Together, these routes form the backbone of Arizona’s middle-mile network designed to link rural providers with major internet hubs.
Cox plans to expand service to Black Canyon City, connecting 1,700 households, a school, a library, a post office, and local businesses. “We are proud to support the State of Arizona’s initiative to expand broadband in rural areas,” said Susan Anable, Cox’s Phoenix Market Vice President.
ADOT Director Jennifer Toth said, “This is another exciting example of middle-mile connectivity helping to expand broadband internet availability in areas that need it.”
The initiative is part of Governor Hobbs’ ConnectAllAZ program, which combines federal and state funding to expand broadband into underserved communities across the state.
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