County looks to cut through broadband red tape
An internet technician is repairing or maintaining a fiber optic connection by opening a fiber optic connector.
Garfield County has sent a letter to Colorado Governor Jared Polis requesting assistance in navigating the roadblocks to access state-owned fiber lines to bring broadband service more quickly to western Colorado. The letter notes that as many as 7,000 households in Garfield County have no access to broadband service and many other homes are served by slower, less reliable service. “Garfield County, along with our community partners, has made broadband a priority to ensure that the underserved and unserved communities have access to reliable and cost-effective broadband services,” the letter states. The county voiced concerns in the letter that agreements
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County secures $1.7 million grant for broadband
Garfield County has secured a more than $1.7 million grant from the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to help complete phase II of its middle mile broadband project. The DOLA grant is being matched by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds awarded to the county to help realize the project, which expands broadband service to underserved locations throughout Garfield County. The first phase of the project, which is underway and expected to be completed this year, includes construction of lateral fiber from middle mile infrastructure along the Interstate 70 corridor that connects with carrier neutral locations in Glenwood Springs and
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Affordable Connectivity Program connects families with internet service
A woman is working at home using a modem router, connecting the Internet to her laptop.
  The Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides eligible households with discounted broadband service and needed devices. Through ACP, families at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines can receive up to $30 per month discount on internet service and $100 discount for the purchase of a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. Households on tribal lands can receive up to $75 discount on monthly internet service. ACP – 
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