Kelly, Gallego Announce Approval of Internet for All Plan, Urge Trump Administration to Preserve Full

NTIA approves Arizona’s final BEAD plan, clearing the way for broadband developments

Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego announced that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Arizona’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) final proposal, clearing the way for the state to begin drawing down funds to deploy high-speed broadband in every corner of the state. 

Arizona’s State Broadband Office successfully navigated NTIA’s updated program guidance, finalizing a plan that will bring fiber technology to 118,170 locations—more than 70 percent of the state—with a deployment cost of $446,123,359. Under the Kelly-shaped Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Arizona was allocated $993,112,231 in BEAD funding, and as NTIA finalizes its nondeployment guidance, it remains crucial that the state receive its full allocation. 

“Every Arizonan, regardless of their zip code, deserves access to reliable, high-speed internet, and this final approval means many communities are one step closer to getting connected,” said Kelly. “But the job isn’t done. The administration needs to make all of Arizona’s broadband funding available, just as Congress intended.” 

“I’m glad to see that the NTIA approved Arizona’s proposal for the BEAD program to expand broadband internet access to communities that need it most, like rural and Tribal areas. This program was something I fought to include in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and I’m excited to see these funds get to work in Arizona,” said Gallego. “However, the Trump administration’s illegal and arbitrary changes to the BEAD program mean that Arizona won’t be able to use all of the funds Congress set aside for our state and areas on the Hopi, White Mountain Apache, and the Yavapai-Apache Nation may be left without service. I’m urging the administration to reverse these changes and release Arizona’s full funds so every community can get connected.”

“Opportunity for every Arizonan means access to fast, affordable, reliable internet, no matter your zip code,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “With this historic investment, we’re not just closing the digital divide, but also opening doors to economic opportunity in every corner of our state. I’m grateful to the ACA and everyone who has played a role in advancing this critical project. From education to health care to workforce development, broadband is key to Arizona’s present and future.”