FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 14, 2019
COLORADO ANNOUNCES THREE-POINT INCREASE IN RURAL BROADBAND COVERAGEThe state of Colorado is one step closer to providing universal broadband access Governor Jared Polis is committed to modernizing Colorado’s broadband infrastructure to expand internet access across the state and help rural communities overcome economic challenges. “Broadband is no longer a luxury, but a necessity,” Polis explained. “Affordable and reliable broadband is critical to educating our youth, providing quality health care, and keeping our residents safe.” Colorado’s improved rural broadband coverage is a result of projects completed through Department of Regulatory Agencies Broadband Fund grants and investments over the last five years from the Department of Local Affairs Broadband Grant program. Organic investment occurring in some parts of the state, primarily by rural electric cooperatives, also contributed to the increase, as did continued improvement in the data provided to the State of Colorado from service providers. “We are moving in the right direction to reach the June 2020 goal of providing 92% rural broadband access,” Colorado Broadband Office Executive Director Anthony Neal-Graves said. “Over the next five years the state will be investing at least $115M to achieve our ultimate goal of 100% household access.” The Colorado Broadband Office within the Governor’s Office of Information Technology works to bring together public sector leaders with private sector solutions that fit the individual needs of communities, while ensuring the collaboration that ties together individual projects into regional and statewide solutions. The Office coordinates and supports the planning and funding opportunities available within Colorado that will help the state reach its goal of providing universal broadband access. About OIT Media Contact:
Brandi Simmons Chief Communications Officer & PIO 303.764.6897brandi.simmons@state.co.us |