In Arizona, CommScope has been chosen as the exclusive provider of RF products and technology -- including microwave antennas, transmission line cabling and accessories, and remote monitoring and management services -- for construction of one of the largest microwave-based wireless public safety and service networks in the U.S.
The project, funded by a $39 million federal broadband infrastructure grant to Scottsdale, Arizona-based GovNET, Inc., will provide a backbone wireless network that will offer high-speed broadband access to all 91 incorporated cities and towns and all 15 counties in the state, including many rural and underserved areas.
The broadband network will feature more than 300 new microwave towers and roof mounts to expand services across more than 88,400 square miles of the state, and will connect emergency service agencies, communities, healthcare providers, and educational institutions. Notably, the network will offer speeds of between 100 Mbps and 1.2 Gbps to key anchor educational and healthcare institutions -- a significant upgrade over the T1 service many currently have.
GovNET, Inc. is a specialized telecommunications provider focused on the specific needs of local, state, and federal agency communications. “CommScope will play a vital role in our efforts to bring broadband access and capacity to all parts of Arizona,” said Pat Barringer, chief executive officer, GovNET. “We believe the quality and track record of CommScope’s technology and solutions will help us in achieving our goals of enhancing public safety, education, commerce and economic development through high-speed broadband services.”
Arizona Governor Janice K. Brewer and numerous state and local officials officially marked the beginning of the project at a February 7 ribbon-cutting ceremony atop a Phoenix high-rise, on which the network’s first CommScope antennas were installed, and which served as the backdrop for the event.
CommScope has served as primary provider of broadband technology to other federal broadband infrastructure projects, most notably in North Carolina and Michigan. These projects, led by MCNC in North Carolina and Merit Networks in Michigan, were highlighted at a White House “Champions of Change” ceremony on February 15, for the positive impact they are having in their states.
Related story:CommScope says copper alternative solutions may reduce cabling theft