Broadband construction in Boulder, Colorado is expected to greatly accelerate in the near future due to a Boulder City Council funding decision.
That body has unanimously approved spending around $2.5 million for what are known as key fiber laterals designed to fill in the gaps within a larger broadband infrastructure network.
The council earlier approved the issuance of up to $15 million in debt to build the basics of a citywide broadband network.
The implementation plan, as announced last year by city officials, would in particular emphasize making broadband available to underserved and low-income neighborhoods in Boulder.
That 2018 council decision came on the heels of a city-sponsored survey indicating that up to 90 percent of respondents said they supported the idea of a city-owned and operated internet service.
Altogether, some 60 miles of broadband infrastructure will be constructed in Boulder.
It is thought that it will ultimately cost around $140 million to build out a full broadband network as envisioned by Boulder leaders. The city has said the construction project will move along as funding makes itself available.
Design work on the network is already underway.
By Garry Boulard
