PIMA — The $5.5 million project bringing Valley Telecom broadband to Bryce, Eden and Fort Thomas has an additional benefit — bringing broadband to Pima.
The fiber route for the project will allow Valley Telecom to offer broadband service in Pima, starting with town facilities, such as Town Hall, the Pima Volunteer Fire Department, the Pima Library and town pool.
Once the project in Bryce, Eden and Fort Thomas is complete, Valley Telecom officials said evaluation will take place on how extend fiber service to local businesses and residences in Pima.
“In the meantime, Valley is working to bring its Tarana-based fixed wireless service to Pima to help bridge the gap until additional fiber construction can occur. Tarana technology allows us to deliver fiber-like broadband speeds of up to 500mbps, making it an effective solution for serving homes and businesses while longer-term fiber expansion plans are evaluated,” Valley Telecom officials said in an e-mail to Gila Valley Central.
Tarana technology and fiber connections to Pima town facilities could be in place within 90 days if there are no delays in the Bryce, Eden and Fort Thomas construction schedule.
The project is being funded by a $4.8 million grant from Arizona Commerce Authority’s Arizona Broadband Department, along with $250,000 from Graham County and $464,000 from Valley Telecom.
