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# Arizona, eX², and Cox Partner on 20-Year Fiber Deal to Expand Rural Broadband
- URL: https://broadbandbreakfast.com/arizona-ex2-and-cox-partner-on-20-year-fiber-deal-to-expand-rural-broadband/
- Published: 2025-09-23T12:06:23.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-11T05:45:48.000Z
- Description: New lease agreement will expand rural broadband in Arizona.
- Author: Akul Saxena
- Tags: Arizona, Briefs, I-17, Katie Hobbs, eX2, Cox Communications, #with-siderail, Kyle Hildebrand

Sept. 23, 2025 - eX² Technology, in partnership with the Arizona Department of Transportation and the Arizona Commerce Authority, has finalized a 20-year agreement with Cox Communications to lease 141 miles of dark fiber along the I-17 corridor, advancing [Arizona’s effort to expand broadband in underserved communities](https://ex2technology.com/ex2cox-iru-agreement?ref=broadbandbreakfast.com).

The deal directly supports an existing E-rate project to connect schools and libraries in northern Arizona. Cox plans to extend service to 1,700 households, a school, a library, a post office, and local businesses in Black Canyon City.

Governor Katie Hobbs called the project a milestone for the state’s **ConnectAllAZ initiative**, which leverages more than $140 million in federal funding to expand middle-mile infrastructure. That backbone runs not only along I-17 but also I-19 and I-40W, creating an open-access network that will allow providers to deliver faster and more reliable last-mile service.

“This agreement 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,” said **Kyle Hildebrand**, chief revenue officer of eX² Technology.