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 March 7th, 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 www.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, and plan Trico’s fiber build out.
“Almost 80 years ago, Trico was established to provide essential electric services. As we have grown, developed, and innovated over the years, we have never lost sight of that important duty. Today, high speed, reliable, and affordable broadband service is a vital utility that promotes economic progress, education, and healthcare” said CEO and General Manager, Brian Heithoff.
“As a co-op our experience, our high-level Member service, and our decades long commitment to the communities we serve, make us uniquely qualified to design, deploy, and manage a broadband network to serve rural areas, growing towns and suburban areas, vital community anchors like schools and hospitals, and traditionally underserved areas throughout Southern Arizona,” Heithoff said.
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Trico Electric Cooperative, Inc., is a not-for-profit electric cooperative serving nearly 50,000 Members in Marana, Corona de Tucson, Saddlebrooke, Mt. Lemmon, Sahuarita, Green Valley, Three Points, Star Valley and Arivaca. Trico is dedicated to making a difference in the communities we serve by providing our Members cost-effective and sustainable energy solutions. For more information about the cooperative, visit www.trico.coop or follow them on social media at facebook.com/TricoelectricAZ or instagram.com/TricoElectricAZ.
