Frontier Aims to Secure $1 Billion Boost for Rural Internet in Mohave County

Frontier Communications is positioning itself to secure nearly $1 billion in grant funding from Arizona’s Broadband Equity, Access and Development (BEAD) program. The Mohave County Board of Supervisors will convene on Monday to decide whether to endorse the company’s funding application.

This initiative, introduced earlier this year, aims to enhance broadband internet service in rural areas of Arizona that have historically been underserved. The program funding is facilitated by the Arizona Commerce Authority.

In the past months, the Board has supported similar grant applications from local entities, including Mohave Electric Cooperative, which collaborates with TWN Communications, as well as Allo Communications. This consistent backing reflects a determined effort by county officials to improve high-speed internet access across Western Arizona.

A proposed resolution highlights the ongoing challenges faced by many residents who still do not have adequate broadband service. Frontier Communications has a track record of successfully establishing fiber optic networks in Mohave County, which has bolstered internet access for local communities.

Additionally, the state has previously allocated funding to enhance broadband infrastructure, with $10 million awarded to Kingman-based WeComm, and $3 million granted to Allo Communications for expanding services in the Lake Havasu City and Kingman areas.

The importance of infrastructure improvement was underscored in 2021, when Supervisor Travis Lingenfelter proposed a significant $4 million investment aimed at enhancing broadband capabilities using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.

The Board of Supervisors is poised to cast their vote on Tuesday regarding their support for Frontier Communications’ funding request.