Navajo County and eX² Technology, a communications infrastructure group, have announced the construction of a new 100-mile open-access, dark fiber middle-mile network in north eastern Arizona. The aim of this initiative is to enhance broadband quality for residents and businesses in the region.
Navajo County Chairman Jason E. Whiting expressed excitement about the partnership with eX² Technology to construct the middle-mile fiber optic network. He said that this 20-year agreement will interlink with other networks in the region, including Arizona and New Mexico, and will serve as an economic growth engine for Navajo County by providing high-speed internet access to underserved communities.
Jay Jorgensen, the chief operating officer of eX² Technology, believes that this open-access backbone will ensure the continuity of county operations and provide reliable connectivity for years to come. The Arizona Commerce Authority granted Navajo County $9.7 million in Rural Arizona Broadband Development Grant funds, in addition to $10 million from the American Rescue Plan Act for broadband expansion.
Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, expressed gratitude to Governor Katie Hobbs and all partners involved in the initiative. She said that this project aims to create significant opportunities for underprivileged residents by delivering high-quality broadband services throughout the region.
The new network is expected to improve access to municipal fiber, telehealth, and education in Navajo County and beyond. This initiative is a result of Navajo County’s Broadband Strategic Plan commissioned in early 2021.
In summary, Navajo County has partnered with eX² Technology to construct a new 100-mile open-access dark fiber middle-mile network in north eastern Arizona. This initiative aims to enhance broadband quality for residents and businesses by providing high-speed internet access to underserved communities. The project is expected to provide reliable connectivity for years to come and create significant opportunities for underprivileged residents by delivering high-quality broadband services throughout the region.