Cox Communications has signed a long-term agreement to lease fiber along Interstate 17, a step that is set to bring faster, more reliable internet to rural Arizona communities.
The 20-year deal, announced by eX² Technology in partnership with the Arizona Department of Transportation and the Arizona Commerce Authority, gives Cox access to 141 miles of fiber installed in ADOT’s right of way. The infrastructure will support an E-rate project connecting schools and libraries along the I-17 corridor.
“We are delivering broadband to people across Arizona, connecting them to critical economic and educational opportunities and helping them realize the Arizona Promise,” Gov. Katie Hobbs said in a press release. “This represents a key milestone in putting affordable, reliable internet within reach of more Arizona families and communities.”
The agreement follows a July 2025 partnership between eX² Technology and Wecom Fiber, the first of its kind under the state’s effort to open ADOT’s fiber system to providers. Beyond I-17, ADOT maintains fiber and conduit along I-19 from Tucson to Nogales and is building 202 miles of new infrastructure along I-40 west, a project scheduled to finish in 2026. Together, these routes are forming the backbone of Arizona’s open-access middle-mile network, designed to connect local providers to national internet hubs.
The middle-mile program is backed by more than $140 million in federal funds directed by the state. It is part of Arizona’s broader ConnectAllAZ initiative, which pairs middle-mile projects with last-mile programs such as BEAD and E-rate to expand broadband access.
“Arizona is setting a national example for how strategic investment and collaboration can transform digital infrastructure,” said Kyle Hildebrand, chief revenue officer of eX² Technology in a press release. “This agreement with Cox not only helps bring high-speed broadband to schools and communities that need it most — it also underscores our shared commitment to closing the digital divide.”
Cox Communications will use the leased fiber to extend service to Black Canyon City, connecting about 1,700 households as well as a school, public library, post office and local businesses.
“We are proud to support the state’s initiative to expand broadband in rural areas by bringing high-speed connectivity and digital opportunity to communities along the I-17 corridor,” said Susan Anable, Phoenix market vice president for Cox, in a press release. “This effort opens the door to future commercial and educational opportunities that strengthen local economies and community vitality.”
ADOT Director Jennifer Toth said the project highlights the value of fiber investments along Arizona highways.
“This is another exciting example of middle-mile connectivity helping to expand broadband internet availability in areas that need it,” she said in a press release. “We’re excited to see what the future holds as this network continues expanding along state highways.”
Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, said the Cox agreement adds to the momentum.
“The agreement with Cox Communications marks another important milestone in Arizona’s ongoing efforts to expand broadband access, especially in rural communities,” Watson said in a press release. “As we continue making progress towards connecting more Arizonans, we’re grateful to Governor Hobbs, eX² and ADOT for their partnership in advancing this critical work.”
In 2024, eX² Technology was awarded a 20-year contract to manage, maintain and commercialize ADOT’s dark fiber, conduit and related infrastructure along I-17, I-19, I-40W and, eventually, I-10 and I-8.
More information on available conduit and fiber is available at ex2technology.com/adot. Details on ADOT’s broadband program are at azdot.gov/broadband.