Centennial State News

LOVELAND — On July 6, Governor Polis, Senator Bennet, Congressman Neguse, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Associate Administrator Doug Kinkoph, State Representative Brianna Titone and broadband contributors from all over the state shared exciting plans for the more than $826,000,000 million funding awarded by the Biden Administration and the National Telecommunications Information Agency (NTIA).

"This exciting federal support builds upon our work to make sure Coloradans can access high-speed, reliable internet. Here in Colorado, we continue to make bold progress towards our goal of connecting 99% of Colorado households to affordable, high-speed broadband by 2027 and we welcome the needed federal support to help connect more Coloradans," said Governor Polis.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s BEAD program, based on my bipartisan BRIDGE Act, will bring high-speed internet to communities across Colorado, ensuring our students can continue learning in the digital age and connecting homes, farms, and small businesses across the state. Just as earlier generations had the foresight to electrify the nation and build our interstate highway system, now it is our turn to invest in our communities and lay the foundation for decades of economic growth,” said Senator Michael Bennet. 

“This significant federal investment into improving access to broadband across Colorado, made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law we successfully worked to enact in Congress, is truly historic. These resources, coupled with the significant partnership with the state, will transform so many communities, and make sure every Coloradan is connected," said Congressman Joe Neguse.

The Polis administration’s plan to connect 99% of Colorado households by the end of 2027 is empowered by this funding, which will connect anchor institutions (which will then provide connection to all the homes/ businesses in that town) and apartment buildings so every "unit" in the building is connected. The BEAD Program is based on Senator Bennet’s bipartisan BRIDGE Act, which was incorporated into the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

“As the Vice Chair of the Joint Technology Committee and as someone who has worked in the software industry as a developer, I’ve seen the power that technology can have to improve people’s lives, boost our economy and connect people with the services they need. State’s can’t do it all on our own. We need this transformative federal investment to get us where we need to go. Just as an individual piece of code can change a website, every dollar can have an impact on Colorado’s broadband development and on individual lives, and this funding will make a big difference for Coloradans,” said Representative Brianna Titone. 

“Our community extends beyond the City of Loveland, as our students, workforce, and employers don't stop at city limits. We are excited to collaborate with Larimer County to access BEAD funding, which will allow us to provide widespread, affordable, and high-quality access to this vital resource,” said Brieana Reed-Harmel, City of Loveland broadband manager. 

“For years, the Delta Montrose Electric Association has proven that we can provide rural Colorado communities with fast, affordable, and reliable broadband. We used this experience to help Senator Bennet develop the BRIDGE Act to close the digital divide. We look forward to working with Governor Polis and the Colorado Broadband Office to ensure that our state makes the most of this historic opportunity,” said Kent Blackwell, CTO of Delta-Montrose Electric Association. 

Original source can be found here.