2024 Summer Roadshow Schedule Announced
The CBO is traveling around the state to host a Summer Roadshow, where we will meet with broadband decision-makers and partners in every region. During the sessions a representative from the CBO will discuss all things broadband, including funding, mapping, broadband readiness, community engagement and digital equity. In addition, the CBO will cover updates specific to each locale. Check out the 2024 schedule.
State Scoop Awards
Brandy Reitter, Executive Director of the CBO, won GoldenGov: State Executive of the Year for her leadership in expanding broadband accessibility statewide. Additionally, OIT received the State Innovation of the Year award for its Broadband One-Stop Shop Grant Portal, which provides an efficient and user-friendly experience for broadband grant applicants and awardees. In total, Colorado won three StateScoop national technology awards.
Southern Ute Tribe Activates New Ignacio Network
The Southern Ute Tribe in southwest Colorado celebrated the activation of its new fiber network, which is bringing unbelievable speeds to residents on Tribal lands. Learn more.
Stay in the Know
Sign up to receive timely information from the CBO on specific topics like the Advance Colorado Broadband Grant Program and the Broadband Deployment Board and Fund.
NTIA Approves Colorado’s Digital Access Plan and Awards $12M in Grant Funding
The NTIA approved Colorado’s Digital Access Plan. The state worked with over 15,000 Coloradans to develop a plan that will invest $12 million into programs that help Coloradans who lack access to high-speed internet due to affordability, device availability, or lack of digital skills. Learn more.
Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Update
Soon, the CBO will submit the results of the Advance-BEAD Challenge Process to the NTIA. Once approved we will publish the final list of locations that are eligible to be connected using BEAD funding. After the BEAD-eligible locations are published, the CBO will begin Phase 1 of the BEAD Subgrantee Selection process by releasing the BEAD Grant Program Guidelines and Project Area Map for public comment. Updates and important information is available on the Advance-BEAD page.
Digital Resources Available in Colorado
The Lifeline Program is a federal program that offers a monthly benefit of up to $9.25 towards phone or internet services for eligible subscribers (up to $34.25 for those living on Tribal lands). A consumer can qualify for the Lifeline benefit if their income is 135% or less than the federal poverty guidelines, or if they participate in SNAP, Medicaid or other federal programs. Learn more about other low cost internet plans available in Colorado (English and Spanish).
The Second Regular Session of the 74th General Assembly adjourned on May 8, 2024. A sincere thank you to all who engaged throughout this legislative session for your participation and support.
Broadband Bills Update:
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HB24-1336: Sunset Broadband Deployment
- Repeals the act that created the Broadband Deployment Board and transfers the function of awarding grant money from the HCSM to the CBO - Learn more.
- Passed Senate on 5/1/24.
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HB24-1234: Sunset Review of High Cost Support Mechanism (HCSM)
- Continues the HCSM indefinitely and continues funding for rural telecom providers from the HCSM indefinitely.
- Passed Senate on 4/15/24
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HB24-1334: Broadband Service for Multiunit Buildings
- Prohibits a property owner of a multi-unit building (for ex. a mobile home park) from denying a broadband provider access to the property to install the necessary infrastructure to provide high-speed broadband service.
- Passed Senate on 4/30/24
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HB24-1036: Repeal of Certain Tax Credits
- As originally proposed it repealed numerous infrequently used tax expenditures; however, CBO supported an amendment that excludes the rural broadband tax refund from the repeal.
- Passed Senate on 5/7/24
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SB24-091: Rights-of-Way Permits for Broadband Deployment
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HB24-1245: Fair Labor Practice Requirements for Broadband Projects
- Passed Senate Finance, referred to Senate Appropriations - Failed to Pass
If you have questions contact michael.mcreynolds@state.co.us.
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