Coconino County Board of Supervisors Endorses Wecom Fiber for Broadband Expansion

April 1, 2024

Flagstaff, AZ – The Coconino County Board of Supervisors has officially awarded Wecom Fiber the endorsement for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) grant application, marking a significant milestone in the County’s mission to provide high-speed broadband access to all its residents.

In a meeting last week, the board reviewed proposals from several internet service providers but found Wecom Fiber’s approach most promising, particularly praising its strategy for a countywide broadband solution. Wecom Fiber, with proven experience in similar projects across Arizona, demonstrated a strong understanding of the local landscape and proposed a viable plan to meet the county’s connectivity needs.

The Coconino County Broadband Committee unanimously recommended Wecom Fiber for their proposal. The endorsement follows a series of steps initiated by Coconino County to leverage the federal funding provided through the BEAD program, part of the infrastructure, investment and Jobs Act signed into law by President Joe Biden in November 2021. The program aims to address the digital divide by ensuring that high- speed broadband is available to every American, focusing on areas currently lacking adequate Service.

Paul Fleming, CEO of Wecom, expressed his gratitude for the county’s confidence in their proposal and detailed their plan to bridge the connectivity gap. “Our goal is to ensure that every household in Coconino County, especially those in underserved and unserved areas, has access to reliable, high-speed broadband. This project is about building a network that will serve our community for generations,” said Fleming.

District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler highlighted the importance of transparency and community engagement in this process, advocating for accessible information about the project’s progress and coverage areas.

The collaboration between Coconino County and Wecom Fiber represents a forward- thinking initiative to eliminate the digital divide and empower residents with the essential tool of broadband connectivity. As the project unfolds, detailed plans and progress updates will be shared with the community, ensuring a transparent and inclusive journey toward countywide broadband access.

About Coconino County

Coconino County is the second-largest county in the United States, known for its diverse lanscapes and vibrant communities. Committed to improving the quality of life for its residents, Coconino County is actively pursuing initiatives to enhance infrastructure, including the expansion of broadband access.

About Wecom

Wecom Fiber is a leading provider of high-speed broadband services, with a track record of successfully deploying networks in various regions. With offices in Kingman and Las Vegas, Wecom Fiber is dedicated to connecting communities and fostering growth through innovative technology solutions.

 

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