PARKER, Ariz. – A significant milestone in Arizona's broadband expansion efforts was celebrated on October 13, 2026, with a ceremonial ribbon cutting in the Town of Parker. The event marked the completion of the Arizona Broadband Development Grant project, a multi-year build spearheaded by Wecom Fiber in collaboration with the Arizona Commerce Authority, the Town of Parker, and the Parker Regional Chamber of Commerce & Tourism.
This project, which spanned Mohave and La Paz counties and concluded with its final segment in the Town of Parker, is designed to deliver high-speed, reliable internet to residents, businesses, carriers, and government entities. The newly established network will connect 15,000 homes and businesses, alongside serving 124 Community Anchor Institutions such as libraries, schools, and public safety organizations.
Rachel Solomon, CEO of Wecom Fiber, highlighted the impact of the project, noting the company's pride in bringing "reliable, high-speed internet to a community that didn't have real options before." Solomon also indicated that this completion is just the beginning for Wecom Fiber, which, as Arizona's largest BEAD award winner, is already working to extend similar opportunities to harder-to-reach communities across eight counties in Arizona.
Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, emphasized that this investment in broadband infrastructure is expected to unlock new economic opportunities and strengthen the long-term competitiveness of communities throughout Mohave and La Paz counties. Watson expressed gratitude for Governor Hobbs' leadership and acknowledged the collaboration of Wecom Fiber, the Town of Parker, and all partners involved.
Randy Hartless, Mayor of the Town of Parker, affirmed that the project means homes and businesses across the Town now have access to reliable internet that was previously unavailable. Hartless extended thanks to Wecom Fiber, the Arizona Commerce Authority, and all partners involved. Duce Minor, La Paz County District 2 Supervisor, also spoke to the project's importance, stating that he has observed firsthand the benefits of reliable broadband for residents and local businesses in his many years as a La Paz County resident. Minor characterized the project as the kind of investment rural communities require.
The $10 million Arizona Broadband Development Grant project, which spans Mohave and La Paz counties, began with a groundbreaking ceremony in November 2023, attended by Governor Hobbs and local leaders. Wecom Fiber invested an additional $35 million, bringing the total project investment to $45 million.
This project falls under the umbrella of the Arizona Broadband Development Grant (ABDG) Program, an initiative designed to expand high-speed internet access across the state. The ABDG Program has allocated $100 million in funding to infrastructure projects in Arizona's unserved and underserved areas. Currently, the program encompasses 19 projects distributed across 10 counties. Wecom Fiber, an Arizona-based provider with roots dating back to 1956, focuses on delivering high-speed internet to underserved and rural communities, aiming to bridge the digital divide across the state through modern infrastructure and local expertise.
