In 2013, Longmont voters were the first to approve a bond issue to build Colorado’s first community-owned internet service. A decade later three other municipalities in northern Colorado have joined to make community-owned internet service a success story.
"Now that Colorado has lifted its restrictions on municipal broadband, we hope to see many more cities and towns learn what communities like Longmont, Fort Collins, Loveland and Estes Park already know – that high-quality local internet can be a game-changer in making a more connected Colorado,” said Valerie Dodd, executive director of NextLight.
NextLight has set a standard that has gained recognition from PC Magazine’s Reader Choice for both home and business customers. Longmont’s community-owned internet provider received the number one ranking with the highest scores the publication had ever seen, according to a news release from the city of Longmont.
As more providers came online, a focus on helping those who could not afford the internet came into view. Connexion — Fort Collins’ community-owned internet — set aside 6% of its revenue to connect income-qualified residents. Throughout the region, over 2,000 residents now have access to low-cost or free internet services through these programs. In Longmont, NextLight provides low-cost/free internet to around 1,000 households through its Affordable Connectivity Program.
Connexion, Trailblazer in Estes Park and Pulse in Loveland have teamed up with Larimer County officials to create NOCO Community Fiber Coalition. The coalition’s mission is to bridge the digital divide by extending service into underserved regions beyond city limits.
“Community-wide internet access is about more than just convenience; it’s about fostering inclusivity and bridging the digital divide while providing a minimum of 1 Gig speeds to all. By providing affordable and reliable internet services to all residents, we empower individuals to thrive, unlocking endless opportunities for advancement and social progress within our communities,” said Chad Crager, broadband executive director of Connexion.
Estes Park faced a particularly difficult challenge while implementing its internet service. Trailblazer weathered the pandemic, wildfire evacuations and rugged, mountainous terrain. Its service area is now larger than Longmont, Loveland and Fort Collins combined, the news release stated.
“Compared to our front range partners, we have a relatively small team working to make Trailblazer Broadband successful. We’ve found that our teams’ resilience, quick action and a positive attitude is what makes community-owned broadband successful. Trailblazer Broadband is also the foundation on which our forward-thinking community will bridge the digital divide, expand commerce, and maximize its renewable energy goals,” said Reuben Bergsten, utilities director for the town of Estes Park.
Together these northern Colorado communities have demonstrated that community-owned internet is not just possible but also achievable.
