eX² Technology, in partnership with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), has reached an agreement with Cox Communications to lease unused fiber optic infrastructure along the I-17 highway corridor. The 20-year Indefeasible Right of Use agreement will allow Cox to utilize a 141-mile segment of dark fiber, supporting an E-rate grant project that aims to connect schools and educational institutions along this route.
Governor Katie Hobbs commented on the development: “We are delivering broadband to people across Arizona, connecting them to critical economic and educational opportunities and helping them realize the Arizona Promise. This represents a key milestone in putting affordable, reliable internet within reach of more Arizona families and communities.”
This initiative follows eX² Technology’s previous agreement with Wecom Fiber in July 2025, further extending broadband infrastructure throughout rural parts of the state. ADOT’s network also includes other significant routes such as I-19 from Tucson to Nogales and an ongoing construction project on I-40W from Flagstaff to California, expected to be completed by late 2026. These efforts support the creation of an open-access middle-mile network intended for use by various broadband providers.
The expansion is funded through more than $140 million in state-directed federal funding under the Arizona Statewide Middle-Mile Program. The program seeks to improve connectivity for underserved areas by enhancing network segments between local providers and major internet hubs. It complements last-mile programs like BEAD and E-rate as part of Governor Hobbs’ ConnectAllAZ initiative for statewide broadband access.
Kyle Hildebrand, Chief Revenue Officer at eX² Technology, said: “Arizona is setting a national example for how strategic investment and collaboration can transform digital infrastructure. This agreement with Cox not only helps bring high-speed broadband to schools and communities that need it most—it also underscores our shared commitment to closing the digital divide, expanding access, and building a more connected future for Arizonans.”
Cox Communications will expand its high-speed services into Black Canyon City through this arrangement, targeting approximately 1,700 residential households as well as local public institutions including a school, library, post office, and businesses.
Susan Anable, Phoenix Market Vice President at Cox Communications stated: “We are proud to support the State of Arizona’s initiative to expand broadband in rural areas by bringing high-speed connectivity and digital opportunity to communities along the I-17 corridor. This effort opens the door to future commercial and educational opportunities that strengthen local economies and community vitality.”
ADOT Director Jennifer Toth remarked: “This is another exciting example of middle-mile connectivity helping to expand broadband internet availability in areas that need it. We’re excited to see what the future holds as this network continues expanding along state highways.”
Sandra Watson, President and CEO of ACA added: “The agreement with Cox Communications marks another important milestone in Arizona’s ongoing efforts to expand broadband access, especially in rural communities. As we continue making progress towards connecting more Arizonans, we’re grateful to Governor Hobbs, eX², and ADOT for their partnership in advancing this critical work.”
In 2024 eX² Technology was awarded a 20-year contract with ADOT and ACA covering management of operations related to conduit networks along several interstate corridors including I-17.
The ACA has played a significant role in statewide economic development initiatives. In September 2022 the agency announced record-breaking job projections, working alongside partner organizations on projects anticipated to create over 24,000 new jobs during Fiscal Year 2022—surpassing initial goals by over fifty percent.
For details about available fiber resources along ADOT’s right-of-way visit ex2technology.com/adot or learn more about ADOT’s broader broadband initiatives at azdot.gov/broadband.
