TL/DR –
Phoenix is planning to expand its fiber-optic high-speed internet network infrastructure to address the “digital divide” in the city, a major issue that was further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This digital divide is particularly significant in the city’s urban areas, where many low-income residents lack internet connectivity. As part of this effort, Phoenix is considering new rules for licensing and transactions with the companies that will build and operate the fiber-optic networks.
Phoenix plans to upgrade its network infrastructure to fiber-optic high-speed internet, addressing the digital divide in the city. A subcommittee is scheduled to present new proposals this week. The digital divide is notably severe in urban areas where lower-income residents lack internet access.
Erin Carr-Jordan, the CEO of Arizona’s Digital Equity Institute, noted that urban regions of Maricopa County host the most significant number of people without connectivity. The Federal Communications Commission reported that around 18 million Americans, primarily in urban, rural, and tribal communities, have limited or non-existent access to high-speed broadband.
The COVID-19 pandemic amplified the digital divide crisis, as Steven Zylstra, the CEO of the Arizona Technology Council, highlighted the frantic efforts to secure hotspots and laptops to meet the critical need. Research by Common Sense Media indicated that over 330,000 Arizona students lack suitable high-speed internet, and more than 220,000 don’t have devices such as smartphones or laptops.
Phoenix’s proposal, pending approval, aims to modify the city code to establish rules for licensing and transactions between the city and companies constructing and running fiber-optic networks. These fiber-to-the-home services would provide residents with rapid internet access.
Carr-Jordan warned that those in the poorest socio-economic brackets are most vulnerable without broadband access, including people suffering systemic and generational poverty, the disabled, veterans, and older adults. The subcommittee will discuss the issue this week, with a city council vote to follow.
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