FORT THOMAS — Valley Telecom, Graham County and the Arizona Broadband Department of the Arizona Commerce Authority celebrated its newest project with a ceremonial “first fiber lighting.”
Dignitaries gathered in the Fort Thomas High School auditorium Monday morning to celebrate the $5.5 million project to bring broadband to Eden, Bryce and Fort Thomas.
“Reliable broadband isn’t a luxury anymore; it’s a necessity,” said Arizona Broadband Director Nick Capozzi.
Arizona Broadband granted $4.8 million to the project, with Valley Telecom contributing $464,000 and Graham County $250,000.
“That investment is just a small amount (compared to) our return,” said Graham County Supervisor John Howard. “It’s going to be a great return to come back to us. I feel like it is so I’m very happy with it and I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again.”
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
The entire project includes installing 65.5 miles of fiber, serving 440 homes and businesses. And, by connecting Thatcher — where Valley Telecom already offers broadband — to Fort Thomas, Valley Telecom will be better positioned to bring high-speed internet to the communities of Central and Pima.
“We’re going to build out to those residences along that route, as we go through,” said Valley Telecom CEO Troy Judd. “And then, in the following years, we’re going to continue to build out those services throughout the remaining part of Pima (and) the outskirts of Pima.”
Valley Telecom will be conducting community outreach events for residents and businesses in Edene, Bryce and Fort Thomas.
- June 13, 10 a.m. to noon, at Maryland Farm in Eden
- June 23, 4-6 p.m., at Meg’s Place Restaurant in Fort Thomas
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
