New report shows Flagstaff fiber project boosts economy, expands connectivity, and creates hundreds of jobs

The Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) today released a new economic impact study detailing how a public-private partnership between the City of Flagstaff, Arizona, and Wecom Fiber is driving economic growth, expanding rural connectivity, and modernizing critical infrastructure across northern Arizona. The report, Broadband Community Profile: A Public-Private Partnership for Fiber – Flagstaff, Arizona, examines how the collaboration is expected to inject at least $100 million into local economy over five years while saving the city an estimated $18 million in capital expenses.

As federal and state broadband funding programs continue to prioritize scalable, cost-effective fiber deployment, Flagstaff’s experience provides a roadmap for communities seeking durable economic growth through modern broadband infrastructure.

Rather than building and operating its own municipal network, Flagstaff leveraged existing city-owned conduit, streamlined permitting processes, and leveraged $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to attract additional private investment and deploy citywide fiber infrastructure. The city also piloted microtrenching construction techniques to reduce disruption and speed deployment – a move that has since positioned Flagstaff as a reference community for other Arizona municipalities evaluating similar fiber strategies.

Key Findings from the Flagstaff Case Study

• $100 million projected economic impact over five years
• $50 million private investment in the Flagstaff region
• $18 million in estimated capital expense savings for the city
• 208 miles of fiber deployed within Flagstaff city limits
• 815 additional miles planned across Coconino County
• 30,000+ locations passed in the city
• 125-175 direct construction jobs supported
• 250-350 indirect and induced jobs generated

Beyond construction, the report outlines long-term economic benefits, including increased property values, expanded remote work access, telehealth enablement, small business growth, and improved digital equity throughout the region. Wecom Fiber will connect 34 municipal facilities, including City Hall, public libraries, fire stations, and recreation centers, while expanding fiber access to residents and businesses throughout the region.

“By studying successful deployments like Flagstaff’s, FBA can identify proven strategies and share best practices that help communities plan, build, and operate high-quality fiber networks,” said Deborah Kish, Vice President of Research & Workforce Development at FBA. “Publishing papers like this equip provider, policymakers, and local leaders with actionable insights to accelerate deployment and maximize the long-term benefits of fiber.”

The full paper can be found here. To FBA’s Fiber Forward Weekly newsletter here for the latest industry updates. To learn more about Fiber Connect 2026 visit https://fiberconnect.fiberbroadband.org/.

About the Fiber Broadband Association

The Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) is the voice of fiber, helping providers, policy makers, and communities make informed decisions about how, where, and why to build better fiber broadband networks. FBA is the largest and only trade association that represents the complete fiber ecosystem of service providers, manufacturers, industry experts, and deployment specialists. Since 2001, FBA and its members have worked to advance fiber broadband deployment to accelerate innovation and increase quality of life by enabling every community to leverage the economic and societal benefits that only fiber can deliver. The Fiber Broadband Association is part of the Fibre Council Global Alliance, which is a platform of six global FTTH Councils in North America, LATAM, Europe, MENA, APAC, and South Africa. Learn more at fiberbroadband.org.

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