The Navajo County Board of Supervisors and eX² Technology have announced the launch of a new 100-mile open-access, dark fiber middle-mile network in northwestern Arizona. Navajo County, which encompasses parts of the Hopi Indian reservation, the Navajo Nation, and Fort Apache Indian Reservation, aims to enhance broadband quality with this new infrastructure.
The network will significantly improve access to municipal fiber, telehealth, and education services. This initiative is a result of the county’s Broadband Strategic Plan launched in early 2021. It will provide reliable, affordable internet for residents and businesses throughout the region.
Navajo County Chairman Jason E. Whiting expressed excitement about the partnership with eX² Technology to construct the middle-mile fiber optic network. “This project is a significant step towards ensuring that our communities have access to high-speed internet,” said Whiting. “We believe that this open-access backbone will serve as an economic growth engine for Navajo County by providing high-speed internet access to underserved communities.”
Jay Jorgensen, Chief Operating Officer of eX² Technology, believes that this new network will create significant opportunities for underprivileged residents by delivering high-quality broadband services throughout the region. “We are thrilled to be working with Navajo County on this important project,” said Jorgensen. “By interlinking with other networks in the region, including Arizona and New Mexico, we can ensure that this network remains open and accessible for years to come.”
The Arizona Commerce Authority granted Navajo County $9.7 million in Rural Arizona Broadband Development Grant funds for this project. In addition, Navajo County received $10 million from the American Rescue Plan Act for broadband expansion efforts across the country.
Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority expressed gratitude to Governor Katie Hobbs and all partners involved in the initiative.
“We are proud to support this project,” said Watson. “It is critical that we ensure all communities have access to reliable internet connectivity.”
The new network is expected to ensure continuity of county operations and provide reliable connectivity for years to come.
In conclusion, this partnership between Navajo County Board of Supervisors and eX² Technology marks an important milestone towards bridging the digital divide in rural areas by providing reliable high-speed internet connectivity that will help drive economic growth while enhancing educational opportunities and improving healthcare services through telemedicine initiatives.