Larimer County has partnered with local service providers Fort Collins Connexion and Loveland Pulse to apply for BEAD funding for projects throughout the County. Awards are expected to be announced ~December 2025.
Larimer County Broadband
BEAD UPDATES
- The Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Grant Program is managed by the Colorado Broadband Office. For more information please visit the updated State website.
- Due to the NTIA Restructuring Notice, all original BEAD awards were rescinded and a final Benefit of the Bargain round was required.
- Colorado's Benefit of the Bargain Round:
- Application Window: July 7th - July 21st
- Colorado's Final Proposal was submitted on September 4th, and must be approved by the NTIA. For more information on Colorado's Final Proposal, please visit this interactive map.
- Benefit of the Bargain Preliminary Awards:
- Connexion: 237 locations
- Pulse: 188 locations
COLLABORATION/PARTNERSHIPS
One of the most essential components in broadband planning is forming strong collaborative partnerships with neighboring communities and the organizations that serve them. Larimer County values the partnerships that it has with the entities listed below, and welcomes the opportunity to form others:
FAQs
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What is the difference between broadband and high speed internet?
It is all about speed. High speed internet is constantly connected at "speeds below the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) definition of broadband, comparable to driving between 1 and 25 MPH. The FCC defines broadband as an internet connection that will download data at a minimum of 25 Mbps and upload speed of 3 Mbps, similar to traveling between 25 and 1,000 MPH.
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Will Larimer County provide me with faster internet?
No, the County is not planning on becoming an internet provider. The exemption that voters approved to SB 152 will allow the County to explore and foster the best long-term internet options for communities.
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How can I help get faster internet in my area?
Passing the exemption to SB 152 to enable Larimer County to be involved in broadband exploration and partnerships is a strong start. As the Larimer County Broadband Steering Committee engages in further efforts following the election and feasibility study recommendations are made, direction for this project and need for involvement will be more clearly defined. In the meantime, forward communication and thoughts for your community, business, organization and/or other organization to the Larimer Broadband program contact listed below. Also, keep apprised of new broadband developments for Larimer County in the news and on this web page.
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What if technology changes?
Technology changes are inevitable. Exploring options is particularly important before technology changes, for Larimer County to be able to support communities in being proactive, rather than reactive to important developments in a responsible, practical, cost-efficient way, instead of relying on profit-driven decisions to abruptly adopt or neglect changes.
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Why is high speed internet a necessary utility?
Much the same as electricity and telephone service were in the past, high speed internet has become an essential service for being successful in today's world. Economic vitality, health care, public safety, education and many more services are dependent on the ability to access high speed, reliable internet.
