• BEAD Grant Project Awards
    • Due to NTIA changes, an additional Benefit of the Bargain round was opened from July 7-July 21.
    • Benefit of the Bargain preliminary awards announced:
      • Connexion: 237 locations
      • Pulse: 188 locations
    • Note: Preliminary awards will not be final until the NTIA approves.
  • New Advance-Local Dollars Grant Program
    • CBO published updated grant guidelines on 12/30/24. First grant cycle to open in Q4 2025.
  • LETA
    • Working with LETA and local service providers to determine options and costs for access points and hot spot connectivity.

GRANT PROGRAMS

PROJECTS

  • Broadband Equity, Advancement and Deployment (BEAD) Grant Program
    • Grantee(s): Connexion & Pulse
    • Status: Preliminary awards received
  • BEAD projects: (to be awarded)
    • Pulse: Masonville & Southeast Loveland
    • Connexion: Fort Collins mobile home parks and multi-dwelling units
    • Status: Preliminary awards received
  • Capital Projects Fund (CPF) Grant Program
    • Grantee: Pulse
    • Status: In Progress
  • CPF project:
    • Pulse: Hidden Valley Estates
    • Status: Kicked off on 6/24/25
  • Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) Grant Program
    • Grantee: Larimer County
    • Status: In Progress
  • DOLA Grant projects:
    • Grant timeline extended to 5/31/26
    • Scope change approved: grant now covers fiber installation and lease costs for new Landfill, new Emergency Services building, Waverly Road & Bridge shop, and Livermore Road & Bridge shop
    • Masonville Middle Mile
      • Boring contract in progress; approx. 75% complete
    • New Landfill
      • Fiber installation in progress
      • Established IRU agreement with PVREA
    • New Emergency Services Building
      • Completed railroad crossing application and agreement
      • Completed ditch crossing application and agreement
      • Boring contract issued; not started
  • USDA Community Connect Grant Program
    • Grantee: Pulse
    • Status: Grant awarded
  • Community Connect project:
    • Pulse: Big Thompson Canyon
    • Status: Grant agreement in progress

BEAD UPDATES

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

Contact Larimer County Broadband Program