Arizona Strengthens Internet Connectivity

In today’s digital-first age, internet connection has changed from being a convenience to a necessity. Our society would struggle to function without the ability to connect to the internet, whether for research, education, healthcare, or public safety. Because of this, Arizona is making efforts to provide reliable, fast internet access, and organizations like the Sun Corridor Network (SCN), are contributing to it, linking the state to the national and worldwide research and education communities. SCN plays a pivotal role, connecting Arizona to both national and global research and educational networks like Eduroam and Internet2 , facilitating seamless, secure, and high-speed internet access that empowers learning, innovation, and collaboration statewide. 

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Early on, the University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University, and Arizona State University—the state's three largest universities—identified this need. Together, these sister institutions formed Sun Corridor Network, a high-speed fiber network aimed at boosting the research and academic communities and, therefore, other vital industries like public safety and healthcare.

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In 2022, Maricopa County partnered with ASU Enterprise Technology, the State Connected Network (SCN), and the Digital Equity Institute to expand broadband internet access across the region, with a focus on underserved communities. Maricopa County allocated $34.6 million in American Rescue Plan funds to this initiative, with distribution planned through 2026. These funds will be used to enhance broadband infrastructure and provide community support, equipment, and training across the county.

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Although internet connectivity has significantly improved throughout Arizona, there are still gaps, particularly in rural places where infrastructure hasn't kept up with demand. By establishing fiber networks and collaborating with institutions around the state, groups like Sun Corridor Network are attempting to alter that. Faster speeds are only one benefit of this connectivity; it also makes research and education possible. 

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The work of Sun Corridor Network extends beyond higher education. By extending high-speed internet connectivity to K–12 educational institutions, government agencies, libraries, cultural organizations, and nonprofit organizations, SCN ensures that educational opportunities are not constrained by technological or geographic limitations. This is where programs like Eduroam are useful. At member universities, Eduroam, a global wireless network, offers instantaneous, secure Wi-Fi connectivity. Eduroam's greatest feature is that it enables researchers, teachers, and students to easily connect to Wi-Fi using the credentials from their home institution, whether they are on campus or halfway across the globe. Simple, safe internet access without the need for guest accounts or security concerns. 

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For any research and educational institution in Arizona to be able to provide Eduroam to its community, SCN is essential to its availability.

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In order to expand a reliable internet network across Arizona, SCN cooperates with Internet2 and AZ1—a resource portal devoted to broadband and digital equity initiatives. Now, even the most rural of areas will have internet connectivity thanks to SCN's efforts through AZ1 and collaborations with groups like the Institute for Digital Inclusion and Acceleration.

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The idea of Internet2, a high-performance network that links academic and research organizations worldwide, lies at the heart of Arizona's efforts. Faster internet is only one aspect of Internet2. It is a niche network created to meet the particular requirements of researchers, scientists, and educators. Consider it the internet’s “fast lane,” enabling the rapid and effective transport of massive volumes of data, which are essential for cutting-edge research. Arizona is a major participant in the international research community because of its direct Internet2 connectivity via the Sun Corridor Network. This link speeds up scientific creativity and discovery by enabling researchers from Arizona's universities to work together with colleagues throughout the globe.

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The state is well-positioned to take the lead in technological innovation, education, and research because of these strong networks. The impact of SCN and its partners is already being seen throughout the state, from connecting rural schools to giving research labs high-speed access. Arizona is taking a step in the direction to ensure its residents have the resources required to thrive in the digital era by extending these initiatives and working with international networks such as Internet2.

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Internet access is essential for opening doors in a society where knowledge is power. Initiatives like Sun Corridor Network, Eduroam and international networks like Internet2 in Arizona, are empowering the state as a center for digital innovation through its dedication to developing and growing high-speed internet infrastructure. The goal is to build a future where everyone, regardless of where they live, has equal access to opportunities for learning, development, and success—not just faster internet.

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