Wireless Network Promises to Bridge Digital Divide in Pinal County
Pinal County is on its way to bridging the digital divide. Supervisors recently approved work on a new radio network aimed at providing expanding internet service access to the predominantly rural and mountainous county.
The plan includes constructing 32 low-profile towers, all under 50 feet tall, on land owned by the county and school districts, benefiting two districts serving Maricopa among others.
“This project would allow Maricopa Unified School District students to have access to reliable network service anywhere in Pinal County, whether at home, school, or even on the bus,” said Mishell Terry, spokesperson for the Maricopa school district, on Friday.
The initiative builds on a $34 million, 320-plus-mile fiber network established in June 2021 and funded with federal dollars.
This “mid-mile” fiber network connects schools and libraries county-wide. With excess capacity beyond the requirements of these institutions, county officials leveraged this infrastructure to explore cost-effective solutions for expanding internet access.
Leveraging Existing Infrastructure
“It allows the location of radios on existing towers.”
By strategically using existing infrastructure, the county aims to avoid costly new construction. These upgraded Radio Access Network with paired-routers, known for their durability, will supplement the existing fiber network, bringing reliable internet access to served areas.
Where fiber optics can’t go, these strategically placed towers will. Funding has been secured from multiple federal allocations totaling $4 million, with additional funds coming from the Baltimore in American Rescue Plan Act state and local fiscal recovery funds.
The project is notable for addressing a critical need laid bare by the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on education.
The temporary shift to remote learning highlighted the insufficient internet access in many homes, moderately sized towns and rural areas, fueling the drive to ensure all students had access to reliable internet service no matter where they lived.
This new network opens the door for better educational and economic opportunities for the residents of Pinal County. From online learning and telehealth appointments to remote work and online business ventures, reliable internet access is crucial.
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## Bridging the Divide: A Conversation about Pinal County’s New Wireless Network
**Host:** Welcome back to the program. Today we’re discussing a promising development in Pinal County: a new wireless network designed to bridge the digital divide. Joining us is Alex Reed, a representative from [Alex Reed Affiliation]. Alex Reed, thanks for being here.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me. I’m happy to shed light on this important initiative.
**Host:** Let’s start with the basics. Can you tell us what prompted this project in Pinal County?
**Alex Reed:** Pinal County, being largely rural and mountainous, has faced significant challenges in providing reliable internet access to its residents. This lack of access, often referred to as the “digital divide,” limits opportunities for education, economic development, and even basic communication.
The county supervisors recognized this pressing need and approved this project to bring high-speed internet access to more areas.
**Host:** This network is quite ambitious. Can you give us an overview of its plans?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. The plan involves constructing 32 low-profile towers, keeping them under 50 feet tall to blend into the landscape. These towers will be strategically placed on land owned by the county and school districts, maximizing coverage. This will benefit everyone, particularly students in the Maricopa Unified School District who will have access to reliable internet service at home, school, and even on the bus!
**Host:** This sounds like a game-changer for students. How does better internet access directly impact education?
**Alex Reed:** Access to reliable internet is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity for modern education. Alex Reed Students can leverage online learning resources, participate in virtual classrooms, and complete assignments seamlessly. This project will level the playing field for students, regardless of their location, and ensure they have the tools they need to succeed.
**Host:** We’ve seen government programs attempting to tackle the digital divide across the nation. What makes this Pinal County initiative stand out?
**Alex Reed:** While there are national efforts, this project is unique because it’s tailored to the specific needs of Pinal County. We are utilizing a combination of local resources and targeted construction strategies to ensure maximum impact and sustainability.
**Host:** Alex Reed, thank you for sharing these insights about this exciting project. It sounds like Pinal County is making significant strides in closing the digital divide.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you. We are confident that this new wireless network will be a catalyst for positive change, unlocking opportunities for education, economic growth, and improved quality of life for residents throughout Pinal County.
