Trico Electric Cooperative Applies for Arizona’s Broadband Equity, Access & Development (BEAD) Grant Program | Community

Trico Electric Cooperative (Trico) has applied for a grant from Arizona’s Broadband Equity, Access & Deployment (BEAD) Program, which represents the state’s largest broadband investment in history. The BEAD program is managed by the Arizona Commerce Authority with the goal of providing universal broadband internet access for all in Arizona.

Over the past 18 months, Trico’s Board of Directors and Staff have completed a detailed feasibility study to understand the financial, operational, and technical requirements for offering broadband. The Board has approved proceeding with a BEAD application and planning for providing broadband. The final decision on whether to proceed with offering broadband services will be made after BEAD awards are announced, which is expected to occur in early Summer 2025.

The BEAD Program prioritizes extending broadband Internet service to the unserved and underserved areas of Arizona, including many rural areas. The goal is to improve connectivity, support economic growth, enhance education and improve healthcare access throughout the state. As an electric cooperative that has been serving underserved and rural communities of Southern Arizona since 1945, Trico is uniquely qualified to provide this service.

On Friday, March 7, Trico submitted an application for BEAD grant funds to support the design and construction of fiber infrastructure that would allow Trico to provide broadband internet service to the residents of Southern Arizona. Trico’s extensive utility experience and not-for-profit cooperative model make it an ideal candidate to provide fast, reliable and affordable internet solutions with a focus on excellent service. Trico is already working on a plan to expand fiber facilities in its electric service territory to support better communication and control between Trico substations and line devices, and to implement smart-grid solutions that will provide improved reliability, allow for better integration of distributed energy resources and support energy solutions offered to Trico Members.

Trico is taking practical steps to be prepared if it does earn a BEAD award. One of these steps is identifying public and Member interest in receiving broadband internet service from Trico. Members can visit trico.coop or login to their Trico SmartHub accounts to register their interest. This will help Trico to better understand which communities are the most interested in broadband service, collect a list of interested Members who want to stay informed

Trico Electric Cooperative Applies for Arizona’s Broadband Equity, Access & Development (BEAD) Grant Program and plan Trico’s fiber build out.