If you’ve ever driven any stretch of highway, you probably weren’t thinking about fiber optic cable. However, behind the scenes, route I-17 between Phoenix and Flagstaff just became the backbone of something major: Arizona’s first dark fiber Indefeasible Right of Use sale. It’s a milestone not just for the state’s broadband expansion, but for how public infrastructure can power digital equity.
eX² Technology, in partnership with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), successfully executed the IRU agreement, and Wecom Fiber is the inaugural IRU customer. The company secured a 20-year lease for 141 miles of fiber between Phoenix and Flagstaff. This route will connect 30,000 homes and businesses, enabling scalable, high-capacity bandwidth for rural, underserved and growing markets. First customers are expected to receive internet service by the end of 2025.
“We are delivering affordable, reliable internet to people across Arizona, and today, we are closer to achieving that mission,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “Arizonans, regardless of their zip code, deserve access to the boundless opportunities that high-speed broadband provides. In our modern economy, it’s crucial that we connect people to the tools they need to thrive.”
“This Indefeasible Right of Use sale is a major milestone in our partnership with ADOT and the ACA and a testament to the State’s forward-thinking approach to public infrastructure,” said Jay Jorgensen, Chief Operating Officer of eX² Technology. “We’re proud to provide customers with future-ready access to high-capacity, low-latency fiber while helping the State maximize the value of its right-of-way assets. eX² remains committed to working closely with state and local agencies, tribal communities, broadband providers and private enterprise to support long-term infrastructure growth and digital equity across the region.”
“Through this strategic partnership with eX² Technology and the State of Arizona, Wecom will utilize a new fiber route to deliver fiber broadband Internet to adjacent communities more quickly and at lower cost,” said Paul Fleming, CEO of Wecom Fiber. “As an Arizona-based broadband provider, Wecom is thrilled to continue bridging the digital divide by working to ensure every Arizona home and business has access to reliable, affordable Internet.”
To read the press release in its entirety, click here.
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