• BEAD Grant Project Awards
    • Due to NTIA changes, all preliminary BEAD awards have been rescinded. A final Benefit of the Bargain round will be opened and all applicants will be re-evaluated based on updated criteria.
  • 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.
  • Rist Canyon Volunteer Fire Dept
    • Requested connectivity from PVREA or from a future grant project.

GRANT PROGRAMS

PROJECTS

  • Broadband Equity, Advancement and Deployment (BEAD) Grant Program
    • Grantee(s): Connexion & Pulse
    • Status: Grant applications submitted. Waiting for grant awards
  • BEAD projects: (to be awarded)
    • Pulse: Masonville & Southeast Loveland
    • Connexion: Fort Collins mobile home parks and multi-dwelling units
    • Status: Waiting for grant award announcements
  • Capital Projects Fund (CPF) Grant Program
    • Grantee: Pulse
    • Status: Grant awarded
  • CPF project:
    • Pulse: Hidden Valley Estates
    • Status: Project begins ~July 2025
  • 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 under review: request to remove Wellington and add fiber install and lease costs for new Landfill, new Emergency Services building, Waverly RAB shop, and Livermore RAB shop
    • Pulse IGA amendment under review: Pulse to provide materials for Masonville project
    • Wellington Middle Mile (aerial)
      • Comcast has built this route and anticipates that service will be available by the end of 2025
    • Masonville Middle Mile (underground)
      • Contracts on hold until change order is complete
  • USDA Community Connect Grant Program
    • Grantee: Pulse
    • Status: Grant awarded
  • Community Connect project:
    • Pulse: Big Thompson Canyon
    • Status: Grant agreement in progress
 
  • New Landfill Circuit:
    • 90% complete with bore to Landfill
    • Obtained easements for access on private property
    • Ditch crossings completed
  • New Emergency Services Building
    • Submitted railroad crossing application
  • Pulse - closing out IGA projects:
    • Namaqua Hills - live, taking sign ups
    • 57th St & College - live, taking sign ups
    • Ptarmigan Hills - live, taking sign ups
  • Connexion - closing out IGA project:
    • JJ’s Corner - live, taking sign ups

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