Reliable, affordable access to high-capacity telecommunications infrastructure has become as essential as water, sewer, transportation and electricity service in creating healthy and successful communities in the 21st century. This is true for all communities, not just the urban or affluent. Access to these services is not just a desire but an increasing necessity for rural Arizona communities in the 21^st century.

The Commerce Economic Development Commission approved this study in order to discover what the current state of “best practice” is among a group of states selected for review by the Center for Digital Government. The states discussed in this report have all adopted different models and methods to deploy high capacity communications within their state, particularly rural and smaller communities.

This study is an excellent starting point for discussions and specific state and local planning for further deployment of these services throughout Arizona.

Analysis and Report:  (pdf)