CBO 2023 Year in Review
We had a highly productive year in 2023. We announced Capital Projects Fund (CPF) awards, received an allocation of $826.5 million from the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program and passed significant legislation that removes barriers to investing federal dollars, among many more things. These accomplishments were made possible by partnerships with broadband stakeholders across the state, and are highlighted in our CBO 2023 Report. There is a lot of progress to celebrate!
Stay in the Know
Check your CBO subscription preferences to receive timely information from the CBO on specific topics like the Advance Colorado Broadband Grant Program and the Broadband Deployment Board and Fund.
CBO Announces Additional Grants for Broadband Funding
The Colorado Broadband Office announced additional grants using stimulus funding from the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund (CPF) program. As a result of the Advance-CPF Challenge Process, some of the previously awarded projects were reduced in size, leading to additional availability of funding. Subsequently, five new projects were awarded. For more information about these new projects visit the Advance-CPF page on our website.
Broadband Deployment Board 2024 Grant Cycle Public Comments
The comment period for the Broadband Deployment Board’s 2024 Grant Cycle closed on April 1, 2024. All public comments have been posted on the CBO site. Learn more.
Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment Challenge Process
During the challenge phase of the Advance-BEAD Challenge Process, which ran from Jan. 10 to Feb. 9, 2024, we received challenges to approximately 21,950 locations. We are now in the rebuttal phase, in which ISPs have 30 calendar days from notification of a challenge to provide a rebuttal. A map of challenges to qualifying broadband service at Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs) was released on Mar. 29 and rebuttals to these challenges will be accepted until Apr. 29, 2024. View the CAI Rebuttal Map. Only the CAI subject to the challenge may submit a rebuttal to the challenge. For more information please visit the Advance-BEAD Challenge Portal.
Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Update
Where are we now? We are in the rebuttal phase of the Advance-BEAD Challenge Process. Once the rebuttal phase is complete, we will make final determinations and release a final list of BEAD-eligible locations in late spring. What’s Next? Advance-BEAD grant program guidelines and a draft project area map will be released for public comment in early summer. Updates and important information on the Advance-BEAD page.
State Digital Equity Capacity Grants
Colorado's Digital Equity Team is currently working hard to apply for State Digital Equity Act Capacity Grant funds. Once awarded, Colorado will receive $12,368,261 for the first round of funding. Learn more about Colorado’s plans for the capacity funding.
Digital Navigation Services Request
More than 25 Digital Navigators (DNs) are available to work one on one with community members. If you would like to connect a community member with a friendly, patient, knowledgeable DN, complete and submit this Colorado Digital Navigator Service Request. A digital navigator will reach out within two business days to schedule an appointment at a time and location convenient for the community member.
The CBO is tracking the following broadband legislation:
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SB24-091: Rights-of-Way Permits for Broadband Deployment
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HB24-1234: Sunset Review Sunset Review of High Cost Support Mechanism
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HB24-1336: Sunset Broadband Deployment
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HB24-1036: Repeal of Certain Tax Credits
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HB24-1334: Broadband Service for Multiunit Buildings
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HB24-1245: Fair Labor Practice Requirements for Broadband Projects
The next broadband legislative stakeholder meeting is scheduled for today Wednesday, April 10 at 1:00 p.m. M.T. If you are interested in attending future meetings, please register. If you want to learn more or have questions about the upcoming legislative session, please contact michael.mcreynolds@state.co.us.
Host the CBO Broadband Roadshow
The Colorado Broadband Office (CBO) is excited to announce our 2024 Broadband Roadshow happening this summer. We’re looking forward to getting on the road to meet with local communities to discuss all things Colorado broadband. On this tour, we would like to address the subjects that are more relevant for you and your community. If you would like to host the CBO please fill out this form.
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