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Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced today a major step forward in closing the digital divide in rural Arizona. As part of a proposed settlement awaiting approval by the Arizona Corporation Commission, Frontier Communications Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. will jointly invest $8 million to expand and improve broadband infrastructure across Navajo and Apache counties.

This landmark settlement comes after the state filed a lawsuit against Frontier entities in Maricopa County Superior Court, alleging years of unreliable phone and internet service in two of the state’s most underserved and Indigenous-populated counties. The agreement includes enforceable commitments by both companies to upgrade fiber networks, resolve public safety outages, and protect consumers from unfair rate increases.

“For too long, residents in Navajo and Apache counties have suffered from unreliable internet and phone service that has jeopardized public safety, hurt local businesses and put lives at risk during emergencies,” said Attorney General Mayes. “These settlements hold Frontier and Verizon accountable, bring major infrastructure investments, and represent a big step toward ensuring rural communities receive the high-quality service they deserve.”

Under the settlement:

• Over $2 million will be directed to enhance fiber network reliability between Holbrook, Snowflake, and Show Low.

• Another $2 million will improve broadband connections between St. Johns, Concho, Springerville, Vernon, and Show Low.

• Approximately $4 million will fund direct high-speed fiber connections to homes, businesses, and public institutions.

• Verizon, which is in the process of acquiring Frontier’s operations, will also be required to audit the network, resolve 911 outage issues, and adopt enhanced maintenance practices.

• Frontier customers will be protected from any rate increases until 2027, and low-income service plans will be made available.

The Arizona Attorney General’s Office will hold party status to ensure Verizon and Frontier meet their obligations and may pursue legal enforcement if necessary.

This action follows a July 28 lawsuit filed by the state against Citizens Utilities Rural Company Inc., Citizens Telecommunications Company of the White Mountains Inc., Frontier Communications of the Southwest Inc., and Navajo Communications Company Inc., citing deceptive practices and failure to provide promised service levels.

The lawsuit, Arizona v. Citizens Utilities Rural Company Inc. et al., case number CV2025-026395, is currently pending in the Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County.

The State of Arizona is represented by Attorney General Kris Mayes and Dylan Jones. Frontier and Verizon are represented by Perry Rowthorn of Rowthorn Law LLC.

This investment initiative marks a critical move in the ongoing efforts to strengthen infrastructure and ensure digital equity for all Arizonans.