Overcoming the challenge of connecting rural AZ to broadband

Milan Eaton, director of the E-Rate program for the Arizona Department of Education, uses the federal program to install high-speed internet infrastructure in schools in remote areas across AZ. According to the White House, 14% of Arizonans live in areas with no broadband infrastructure at minimally acceptable speeds. Forty-five percent live in an area where there is only one internet provider and even if available, the costs may be too expensive. Thirteen percent of households in Arizona have no internet subscription. Eaton has leveraged E-Rate program funds with state funds to create the Final Mile Project. The goal is to bring broadband from schools to homes. The idea is to install fiber to schools and antennas strong enough to broadcast signals into the community. Educational access for students is $10 per month. Regular residential broadband ranges from $35 up to $100 per month depending on the amount of bandwidth chosen.