Governor Ducey signs bill to expand broadband access in Arizona

Gov Doug Ducey (R-AZ) has signed legislation to expand broadband access in Arizona, something he called for in his January State of the State address. House Bill 2596 allows the installation, operation, and maintenance of telecommunications equipment within the Arizona Department of Transportation's (ADOT) rights-of-way by private broadband providers. It additionally gives private telecommunications companies access to ADOT broadband conduit in a “non-exclusive and non-discriminatory manner.” This, Gov Ducey said, will reduce the cost of installing rural broadband infrastructure. The new law also creates the “Smart Highway Trust Fund,” using leasing revenue from some ADOT properties as funding for the operations and equipment of the telecommunication facilities.