Ariz. Commissioners Laud State Budget's $3 Million for Broadband
The Arizona Corporation Commission applauded a state budget agreement that includes $3 million for broadband expansion to rural schools. The legislature and Gov. Doug Ducey (R) agreed to the plan; debate and votes are planned for Thursday, the ACC said…
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in a Wednesday news release. The agreement follows the commission's adoption of an $8 million state broadband fund for rural schools (see 1703140055). The $8 million in state USF funding plus the budget’s $3 million makes the state eligible for federal matches of more than $100 million for broadband through federal E-rate Category One, the commission said. “The commitment of funds in the Legislature’s budget and in the AUSF creates a huge win for our state and our students,” said Chairman Tom Forese. Commissioner Andy Tobin said the broadband investment will bring greater “parity between our urban and rural areas.”