In this episode of the podcast, Chris sits down once again with Chad Crager, Executive Director of Fort Collins Connexion, to discuss the city's progress in developing a sustainable municipal broadband network. Chad shares exciting updates, including reaching 21, subscribers and serving 80, premises, while highlighting the city's innovative approach to broadband, such as leveraging underground power infrastructure and implementing dig-once policies.
Chad also emphasizes Fort Collins' commitment to digital equity, explaining efforts to serve mobile home parks, the challenges of wiring such communities, and the introduction of Spanish-speaking staff to reach underserved populations. The discussion touches on the city's long-term sustainability plans, business model, and collaboration with local government, ensuring that Fort Collins Connexion remains financially resilient while fostering digital inclusion for all residents.
Tune in for an insightful look at how Fort Collins is balancing competition with incumbents, expanding broadband access, and setting an example for other cities looking to invest in community broadband. This show is 30 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.
We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below. Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. Fort Collins, Colorado has repeatedly won awards for being a trailblazer in the municipal fiber space, and local subscribers continue to take notice. The city-owned and operated Connexion network operation just announced it has passed the 20, subscriber mark, after nabbing a significant new wave of state and federal funding for expansion earlier this year.
Fort Collins began thinking about a citywide fiber deployment as early as By , locals had voted to exempt the city from a counterproductive state law restricting communities from building their own broadband networks. Construction of the municipal network began in Subscribers began to connect to the network in , and by fiber service was available to every last home and business in the city of , Connexion service comes with no usage caps or long-term contracts.
