Arizona needs faster, cheaper internet service. Here's how to get it
Opinion: The lack of affordable, high-speed internet connectivity is a big problem for Arizona. But efforts to help are underway.
Arizona’s rural areas remain among the least connected in the nation, plagued by poor internet quality and limited access to low-priced broadband.
But even in more urban Maricopa County, where 93% of households have access to an internet service provider, only 65% subscribe. That means more than 207,000 households in the state’s largest county do not have home internet, according to Connect Arizona.
What’s more, Common Sense Media research estimates that more than 335,500 Arizona students lack access to high-speed internet, and 220,500 are without devices.
These are the Arizona students that FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has described as struggling with the “homework gap.” Without support, they lack consistent access to the connectivity and devices they need to participate fully in education.
Arizona families need affordable internet
These are big problems for Arizona.
The internet is vital for families and Arizona’s economy. When students are unconnected, there is an estimated annual loss of $33 billion to the national GDP.
Thankfully, Arizona has a historic opportunity to correct these problems with federal funding that supports broadband infrastructure build-out, digital literacy programs and, for the first time, an affordability program for high-speed home internet access.
These investments will help to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, occupation or income, has access to the benefits of broadband access.
The Affordable Connectivity Program helps vulnerable households get connected by providing $30 per month toward internet service and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying tribal lands.
More than 460,000 Arizonans — more than 1 in 6 households — have already enrolled.
How federal programs help moms like Lia
Lia Larson is one of them.
The Phoenix mother of four began homeschooling her children after they had difficulty readjusting to the classroom after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Until recently, Lia’s teaching ability was limited by her home’s slow internet connection (a phone hotspot) and a single tablet split among her kids.
A second federal program — Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment — provides funding to support service providers building networks in unserved and underserved communities.
More speed:Why Mesa's fiber optic agreement is a big deal
In the same way the Affordable Connectivity Program helps households afford internet service, this program helps service providers afford to build internet networks in rural communities where the cost to build is high.
Even better, these two programs work together. Common Sense Media’s analysis found that the Affordable Connectivity Program reduces by 25% the per-household subsidy needed to incentivize providers to build in rural areas.
You can get involved. Here's how
This is a big moment for Arizona.
Nearly a billion dollars is coming to the state to close gaps in broadband infrastructure. Newly connected communities will need a benefit like the Affordable Connectivity Program to make the most of this investment.
The good news is you can — and should — get involved in this historic opportunity to close the digital divide in our state.
First, participate in the planning process for the state’s digital equity plan to ensure every community has the support needed to succeed online.
The next roundtable, a webinar hosted by Arizona Commerce Authority, is from 3-4 p.m. on Sept. 19.
Second, contact your congressional delegation to let them know they cannot let the Affordable Connectivity Program run out of funding.
Arizona children and families rely on this program to stay connected to education, health care and jobs.
Ilana Lowery is the Arizona director ofCommon Sense Media, an advocacy organization focused on the well-being of children and families. On X, formerly Twitter: @ilanajlowery