Biden-Harris Administration Approves Arizona's “Internet for All” Initial Proposal

Arizona Requested Access to BEAD Funds Totaling Over $993 Million

WASHINGTON - The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Arizona's Initial Proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration's "Internet for All" initiative.

This approval enables Arizona to request access to funding and begin implementation of the BEAD program-a major step towards closing the digital divide and meeting the President's goal of connecting everyone in America with affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service.

"In the 21st century, a reliable Internet connection is a necessity that enables access to jobs, healthcare, and education. Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Department of Commerce is committed to ensuring that everyone in Arizona and across the country has access to quality, affordable high- speed Internet," said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. "Congratulations to the team in Arizona. We look forward to working with you to ensure that everyone in the states is connected."

The BEAD program is a $42.45 billion state grant program authorized by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Arizona was allocated over $993 million to deploy or upgrade high-speed Internet networks to ensure that everyone has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet service.

Once deployment goals are met, any remaining funding can be used on high-speed Internet adoption, training, and workforce development efforts, among other eligible uses.

"Today, Arizona can move their Internet for All efforts from planning to action," said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. "I congratulate the Arizona Commerce Authority for developing a strong proposal for how they will connect all of their residents to high-speed Internet service."

"For too long, access to high-speed Internet was seen as a luxury instead of a necessity," said Governor Katie Hobbs. "The reality is that broadband plays an essential role in people's lives. Whether it is access to education, basic healthcare services, applying for jobs, working remotely or starting a small business, internet connectivity is a necessity. Delivering equitable and reliable Internet services for every Arizonan has been a priority for me from day one and I look forward to continuing these critical efforts to improve broadband access and connect all Arizonans."

"The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is improving lives every day, and today's announcement will help give every Arizonan, regardless of where they live, access to reliable, high-speed internet," said Senator Kelly. "Expanding broadband access is crucial for economic development, education, and healthcare, especially in rural and underserved communities. I am proud to have worked alongside my colleagues to secure these funds and will continue working to bridge the digital divide."

"From education to health care, reliable internet access is now a critical piece of our digital infrastructure that should be available to everyone. I'm proud to have voted in favor of this funding and to see Arizona progress in building out and guaranteeing high-speed broadband connections for families, no matter their income or where they live," said Congressman Raúl Grijalva. "I encourage them to continue to actively engage with unserved and underserved communities to make sure internet access is universal and inclusive for all Arizonans."

"Reliable, high-speed internet access is necessary to get a quality education, apply for a job or participate in the online economy," said Congressman Greg Stanton. "Today we're taking a huge step forward to close the digital divide in Arizona-clearing the way for nearly $1 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds to deliver high-speed Internet access across the state."

BEAD-eligible entities-the 56 states, territories, and the District of Columbia-are required to submit for NTIA's approval an Initial Proposal detailing how they plan to spend their BEAD allocation to deliver high-speed Internet access to all unserved and underserved locations within their borders. All states submitted their Initial Proposals by December 27, 2023.

NTIA provides updates on the status of all 56 states and territories' Initial Proposal.

NTIA will continue to announce approval of Initial Proposals on a rolling basis.

One year from Initial Proposal approval, states must submit a Final Proposal that details, among other things, the outcome of the subgrantee selection process and how the state will ensure universal coverage.

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Internet for All

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes a historic $65 billion investment to expand affordable and reliable high-speed Internet access in communities across the U.S. NTIA recently launched a series of new high-speed Internet grant programs funded by the law that will build high-speed Internet infrastructure across the country, create more low-cost high-speed Internet service options, and address the digital equity and inclusion needs in our communities.

For more information on the Biden-Harris Administration's high-speed Internet service programs, please visit InternetforAll.gov.

About the National Telecommunications and Information Administration

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the Executive Branch agency that advises the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA's programs and policymaking focus largely on expanding broadband Internet access and adoption in America, expanding the use of spectrum by all users, advancing public safety communications, and ensuring that the Internet remains an engine for innovation and economic growth. 

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