Grand Canyon Times

WASHINGTON – Nearly $1 billion will be invested in Arizona to deploy high-speed broadband from the bipartisan infrastructure law led by Senator Kyrsten Sinema and shaped by Senator Mark Kelly.

The $993,112,231 in funds were awarded through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, which focuses on expanding internet access in rural and historically underserved communities.

“While writing and negotiating my bipartisan infrastructure law I ensured we made the strongest broadband investment in Arizona’s history — making internet more accessible and affordable for Arizonans in all corners of our state. I’ll continue delivering lasting results for Arizona,” said Sinema, co-author and lead negotiator of the bipartisan infrastructure law.

“From students doing homework online to seniors using telehealth services to receive medical treatment without leaving their homes, it’s essential that all Arizonans—no matter where they live—have access to affordable and reliable high-speed internet. Our bipartisan infrastructure law is making that a reality, and I’m committed to ensuring that we fully capitalize on this once-in-a-generation investment in Arizona’s broadband infrastructure,” said Kelly.  

Sinema and Kelly’s bipartisan infrastructure law makes historic and sweeping investments in repairing and upgrading America’s critical infrastructure, including $65 billion to deploy high-speed broadband, expand broadband internet access, and help families afford broadband service.

Specifically, the law invests over $14 billion to make the internet more affordable and requires internet providers to offer a low-cost option to participate in federal broadband deployment funding. Following passage of the infrastructure law, the Federal Communications Commission established the Affordable Connectivity Program using the funding Sinema and Kelly secured to help Arizonans access affordable internet. The program provides eligible families $30 a month toward their internet bills and $75 a month toward internet service in tribal areas.

Sinema led bipartisan Senate negotiations with Republican Senator Rob Portman of Ohio that included Senator Kelly and senators from both parties.

The bipartisan infrastructure law was supported by groups including The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Business Roundtable, The National Association of Manufacturers, The AFL-CIO, The National Retail Federation, The Bipartisan Policy Center, North America’s Building Trades Unions, the Outdoor Industry Association, The American Hotel and Lodging Association, The National Education Association, as well as hundreds of mayors across all 50 states. 

Original source can be found here.