Arizona’s goal of expanding broadband internet access in rural areas is moving forward with a public-private partnership.

An agreement with Nebraska-based eX2 Technology is to operate, maintain and lease space in fiber-optic conduit installed along Interstate 17 and Interstate 19 and later this year along much of Interstate 40, according to a release from the Arizona Department of Transportation.

ADOT, in partnership with Gov. Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Commerce Authority, entered into the agreement recently with eX2 Technology, which has “extensive experience working with state and local governments to manage what is often referred to as middle-mile fiber-optic infrastructure,” the release stated.

The initial scope for the 25-year agreement includes fiber-optic conduit along I-17 from Phoenix to Flagstaff, I-19 from Tucson to Nogales and conduit to be installed on Interstate 40 from Flagstaff to California.

“It will be available for lease by internet service providers looking to expand broadband internet access, something that’s expected to start happening in the coming months,” ADOT officials said in the release.

“This agreement represents a significant step forward in our efforts to bring high-speed broadband to all Arizonans,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority.