Wecom Fiber starts Sedona fiber broadband build after summit ribbon cutting

Wecom Fiber marked the start of its Sedona fiber broadband project with a ribbon cutting at the 2026 Sedona Innovation Summit on Oct. 1. The build will bring underground fiber service to about 5,500 homes and businesses, with construction expected to begin soon and finish in the first half of 2028.

Why it matters: - The project will bring high-speed fiber internet to Sedona homes and businesses that need more reliable broadband. - The build is designed to preserve Sedona’s views by keeping all fiber underground and avoiding new overhead lines. - The network is expected to support local businesses and long-term community growth.

What happened: - Wecom Fiber held a ribbon cutting on Oct. 1 at the 2026 Sedona Innovation Summit to mark its upcoming Sedona broadband build. - The company said the first phase will serve roughly 5,500 homes and businesses. - Wecom Fiber was the summit’s Presenting Sponsor. - Leaders from the Greater Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau, Vice Mayor and Mayor-elect Brian Fultz, and Darren Glatt of Searchlight Capital Partners joined the stage. - Construction in Sedona is expected to begin soon and finish in the first half of 2028.

The details: - Wecom Fiber is building the Sedona network in two phases. - Phase one will install 33 miles of fiber entirely underground through the city center. - The first phase will include West Sedona in Yavapai County, plus the Chapel area and south Sedona in Coconino County. - Phase two will extend deeper into both areas. - The City of Sedona has approved the right-of-way license. - Crews are already building in the Village of Oak Creek, about seven miles south of Sedona. - Part of the project is funded by the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program. - Wecom Fiber won the BEAD grant through a competitive multi-year process. - The company is using private funding to reach additional areas of Sedona. - Wecom Fiber is partnering with Searchlight Capital Partners, its investor and a global broadband infrastructure investor. - Searchlight selected Wecom Fiber as an Arizona company building Arizona towns, according to Darren Glatt. - Wecom Fiber traces its roots to 1956 and says it is building across eight Arizona counties.

Between the lines: - The underground design signals an effort to win local support in a city where views are part of the appeal. - Public funding plus private capital suggests the project is built to reach more neighborhoods than grant dollars alone would cover. - The summit appearance also positioned the broadband rollout as part of Sedona’s broader economic development story. - Brian Fultz said reliable, high-speed internet matters to residents and small businesses in Sedona. - David Key said the network gives Sedona businesses a foundation for growth and innovation for years to come.

What's next: - Wecom Fiber will begin Sedona construction after final preparations wrap up. - The company will continue work in the Village of Oak Creek as the broader city build moves forward. - The first phase should be complete in the first half of 2028. - The company plans to extend the network further in a second phase.

The bottom line: - Sedona is getting a citywide underground fiber build, and the first homes and businesses are now next in line for service.