~Anne Boswell
(Avondale, CO) — The Colorado Broadband Office met with community members, leaders, and businesses in Avondale this week as part of their Summer 2024 roadshow.
Jonas Durham with the Colorado Broadband Office reported that 93.9 percent of Colorado households have internet access to date. By Executive Order, Governor Jared Polis has required that number to increase to 99 percent by December 31, 2027. Durham outlined four areas where progress is being made to meet that goal. Community Engagement, which is meeting with communities to update on progress and answer any questions. Mapping includes identifying unserved and underserved areas of Colorado. To be considered served, the internet customer must be able to have download speeds of 100 and upload speeds of 20. The funding, the timeline for identifying grants, and applications completed. Broadband Readiness is determining what needs to be done to help people afford the internet. Durham stated that having the fiber built and available isn’t helpful if someone can’t afford it.
An update was given on the CPF or Capital Funds Projects. Otero, Bent, Pueblo, and Las Animas counties will benefit from the nearly 826 million dollars in federal funds coming to Colorado. SECOM has been working to offer fiber to Avondale residents, and it’s expected to be available this summer.
Eastern Otero County and Bent County will receive fiber along Highway 194 and Highway 50 in the coming months.
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