Picture having a patient, tech-savvy tutor helping you unlock the digital world. That’s the role of Larimer County’s Digital Navigators! They’re like tech teachers, guiding folks through the sometimes confusing world of computers, the internet, and smartphones. Thanks to support from the state, AmeriCorps, and companies like Comcast, these tutors are setting up shop in places like the Estes Valley Library. They’re dedicated to helping people facing hurdles in the digital realm gain the skills and access to thrive in our increasingly digital society!
Program Overview and Services
Digital Navigators provide one-on-one and small-group assistance to improve digital literacy, home connectivity, and device access. Key services include:
- Skill-Building Sessions: Offering recurring appointments for skills like smartphone use, email management, file organization, and software training.
- Community Outreach: Raising awareness about digital equity through partnerships with libraries, workforce centers, and housing communities.
- Device and Internet Support: Helping individuals acquire affordable devices (e.g., laptops, Chromebooks) and navigate low-cost internet options.
The program prioritizes flexibility, with assistance available in person, by phone, or online. Drop-in sessions and scheduled appointments ensure accessibility for diverse needs.
Estes Valley Library’s Role
As a host site since 2023, the Estes Valley Library in Estes Park serves as a hub for Digital Navigator services in the region. AmeriCorps members stationed here:
- Conduct personalized assessments to identify residents’ connectivity, device access, and skill gaps.
- Develop tailored digital inclusion plans, such as guiding older adults through telehealth platforms or assisting job seekers with online applications.
- Partner with local organizations to reach underserved groups, including rural populations and non-native English speakers.
The library’s central role reflects the broader recognition that public libraries are uniquely positioned to bridge the digital divide due to their community trust and existing infrastructure. Erik Rock, Technology Manager at Loveland Public Library (which oversees the Larimer County program), notes that demand for tech assistance has surged, with libraries becoming critical lifelines for digital skill development.
Community Impact and Future Expansion
The program has already demonstrated tangible benefits. Participants gain confidence in using technology for daily tasks, employment, and education, while AmeriCorps members like Chris Smith describe the work as “one of the most rewarding experiences” of their lives. Estes Park residents, particularly in rural areas, now have sustained access to resources that were previously out of reach.
Looking ahead, Larimer County plans to expand Digital Navigator services through:
- Recruitment: Adding more AmeriCorps members for the 2024–2025 term, with applications opening in early 2025.
- Enhanced Partnerships: Collaborating with workforce centers and housing communities to embed Navigators in high-need areas.
- Statewide Coordination: Participating in Colorado’s Digital Navigator Community of Practice to share strategies and resources with other regions.
By integrating localized support with state-level policy efforts, Larimer County’s Digital Navigators exemplify a scalable model for advancing digital equity. The Estes Valley Library’s involvement ensures that even remote mountain communities like Estes Park can thrive in an increasingly digital world. For more information, contact the Estes Valley Library about the next scheduled Digital Navigators session on March 20, 2025 or call Larimer County’s Digital Navigators directly at 970-962-3154.
Sources:
- https://www.lovelandpubliclibrary.org/services/technology/digital-navigators-of-larimer-county-librarie s-program
- https://northfortynews.com/category/news/technology-tutoring-with-a-digital-navigator-in-larimer-county/
- https://calendar.estesvalleylibrary.org/event/12441886
- https://americalearns.com/digital-navigators-loveland-public-library-americorps-compliance/
- https://edtech.worlded.org/digital-navigators-awareness-of-services-impact/
- https://servecolorado.colorado.gov/digitalnavigators
The internet landscape continues to evolve in 2025, with Starlink and fiber internet emerging as two prominent solutions for high-speed connectivity. Both technologies offer unique benefits and are poised for significant growth in the coming year.
Fiber Broadband Expansion
As 2024 comes to a close, the Fiber Broadband Association reports its best year in the association’s history. The industry set a record in fiber deployment, passing 10.3 million homes in 2024, surpassing the 2023 record deployment of 9.1 million homes. There are now 76.5 million unique U.S. homes passed with fiber, with 88.1 million fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) connections, including homes with more than one fiber passing. More locally, Trailblazer Broadband surpassed 4,000 customers in its service area in and around Estes Park.
Fiber internet remains the gold standard for speed and reliability. Fiber optic networks offer unparalleled performance, with speeds reaching up to 10 Gbps in some areas. Fiber boasts ultra-low latency of 1-5 ms, making it ideal for real-time applications like online gaming and video conferencing. The technology’s reliability is unmatched, with underground cables resistant to interference from weather conditions and physical obstacles.
Starlink Progress
Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, has made remarkable strides since its inception. Currently, Starlink provides average speeds of up to 220 Mbps, with promises of reaching 1 Gbps once its satellite constellation is complete. Its primary advantage lies in its broad coverage, particularly in rural and underserved areas where traditional infrastructure is lacking. Starlink’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites have significantly reduced latency compared to traditional satellite internet, averaging around 20-40 milliseconds.
Here are some key findings about the pros and cons of LEO satellites primarily based on Starlink, which currently has the largest constellation of these satellites.
- Today, Starlink has the capacity to support 1.7 million subscribers in the U.S.
- Starlink currently has 1.4 million subscribers
- 215,000 of these locations are BEAD grant-eligible
- The available spectrum today supports one housing unit per square mile
- The opportunity for incremental BEAD funding is limited to 180,000 locations
- By 2030, Starlink will have a larger, more capable fleet, but spectrum constraints will remain even if additional allocations are granted by the FCC
Starlink is an exciting and much-needed addition to rural internet’s long-limited landscape. Although service is slower and more expensive than many other providers and connection types, LEO satellites are a complementary alternative broadband technology, that are ideal to serve remote, hard to reach, low-density housing locations, and/or for quick service restoration where physical infrastructure has been destroyed due to natural disasters.
Performance Comparison
Fiber internet consistently outperforms Starlink in terms of speed, latency, and reliability. While Starlink has made significant improvements, it still falls short of fiber’s capabilities.
| Aspect |
Starlink |
Fiber |
| Download Speed |
50-250 Mbps |
Up to 10 Gbps |
| Upload Speed |
10-50 Mbps |
Up to 10 Gbps |
| Latency |
20-40 ms |
1-5 ms |
Further, Starlink customers expect to pay $120 a month for fixed home internet service offering around 220 Mbps (compared to around $60 – $80 per month for 1000 Mbps from fiber providers like Trailblazer), plus $349, give or take a hundred bucks, for the equipment needed to get started. Starlink is also imposing a one-time $100 congestion charge in some areas.
The preference for fiber within the state broadband offices remains clear. Just recently, Doug Adams issued a State Broadband Director survey, which received responses from 31 states. The state directors remain very bullish on fiber, with verbatim comments including:
- “Fiber deployment is the most reliable technology, future proof, and provides the most benefit and value”
- “States are running their own programs, LEO may be needed where fiber doesn’t make economic sense, but there isn’t enough LEO capacity to cover every location”
- “We will continue to prioritize fiber and will do everything in my power to keep that priority.”
Future Growth and Expectations
In the coming year, both Starlink and fiber internet are expected to see substantial growth and improvements:
Starlink
- Expanded coverage: Starlink will continue to launch more satellites, improving global coverage and potentially increasing speeds6.
- Technological advancements: Innovations in satellite technology may further reduce latency and increase bandwidth capacity3.
- Rural focus: Starlink will likely play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide in remote areas.
Fiber Internet
- Increased deployment: Efforts to expand fiber infrastructure, especially in rural areas, will intensify.
- Speed improvements: Advancements in fiber optic technology will push data speeds beyond current limits.
- Integration with smart technologies: Fiber networks will support the growing ecosystem of IoT devices which communicate through the cloud and smart home applications.
Environmental Considerations
An important factor to consider is the environmental impact of these technologies. Fiber optic internet is more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Deploying fiber can reduce carbon emissions by 34%, equivalent to taking 11 million cars off the road annually combined with increased remote work.
The Local Estes Park Landscape
Trailblazer Broadband began it’s fiber network development over 5 years ago ahead of most municipalities and long before many other BEAD grant funds were available. Along with Longmont, Loveland and Fort Collins, Estes Park had the vision to begin the fiber journey early and as a result, has already significantly enhanced the internet landscape in greater Estes Park, putting our town ahead of the game.
Comparatively, across the US, since January 2021, at least 47 new municipal networks have come online, bringing the total number of community-owned networks in the U.S. to approximately 447, according to the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR).
To complete the Trailblazer Broadband fiber network, the Town of Estes Park is seeking BEAD grant funding to address the fiber needs of the more remote regions of the Estes Park Power and Communications areas. Nationwide, many other municipalities and providers are also seeking a portion of the BEAD funding. As technology progresses and investment increases, the landscape of rural broadband connectivity will continue to evolve, bringing new opportunities for enhancing internet access in underserved communities.
Conclusion
While Starlink offers a promising solution for areas lacking traditional infrastructure, fiber internet remains superior in speed, reliability, and latency. As we move through 2025 and beyond, both technologies will continue to evolve and play crucial roles in global connectivity. Fiber will likely dominate in urban and suburban areas, while Starlink will be instrumental in providing high-speed internet to remote regions. The choice between the two will depend on location, availability, and specific user needs.
References:
- Fiber Broadband Association Annual Report, 2024
- U.S. Broadband Deployment Statistics, 2024
- Telecommunications Industry Research Report, 2025
- International Broadband Performance Study, 2024
- Fiber Optic Technology Reliability Assessment, 2024
- Starlink Performance Metrics, SpaceX 2024 Report
- Rural Connectivity Research, 2024
- Satellite Internet Latency Comparison Study, 2024
Shopping locally online for the holidays in Estes is a fantastic way to find unique gifts while supporting your community. Of course, every shop owner in town would love to welcome you into their establishment, but sometimes weather, time and holiday activities have other ideas. So whether you’re looking for handcrafted items, delicious local treats, or beautiful floral arrangements, here’s how to make your holiday shopping experience both easy and enjoyable from the comfort of your own home!
Unique Local Gifts
Handcrafted Artistry
Estes Park is home to over 300 shops, many of which feature locally made crafts that are perfect for holiday gifting. From elk-inspired collectibles to handmade jewelry, you can find treasures that reflect the spirit of the Rockies. “Many locally owned businesses offer shipping services of curated selection of souvenirs that capture the essence of the area, making them perfect for sharing with friends and family near and far
Sweet Treats
Don’t forget to indulge in local culinary delights!
The Original Taffy Shop, established in 1935, Laura’s Fine Candies in 1975, and Carmel Corn since 1977 are must-visit places for those with a sweet tooth. You can order their famous treats online to send a taste of Estes Park to loved ones. Additionally, consider other shops for local gourmet foods from nearby Longmont, Loveland, and Fort Collins, where you can find artisan chocolates and preserves that make delightful gifts.
Art Galleries
Estes Park is also home to a thriving arts community with several galleries that showcase local talent. Many galleries feature a variety of artwork from local artists, including paintings and photography inspired by the natural beauty of the area. Many pieces are available for shipping worldwide.
Floral Arrangements and Decor
Beautiful Blooms
Floral arrangements can brighten anyone’s day during the holiday season. Local florists in Estes Park provide custom arrangements tailored to your needs. Opt for seasonal flowers or unique arrangements that incorporate local flora. This personal touch makes for a heartfelt gift that shows you care.
Home Decor
For those looking to spruce up their homes or give a thoughtful gift, local artisans create stunning decor items that reflect the beauty of Colorado. Items like rustic wooden signs or mountain-themed artwork can be found in various shops throughout Estes Park.
Experiences
Instead of traditional gifts, consider giving experiences.
Workshops and Classes
Many local artisans offer workshops where recipients can learn skills like pottery or painting. This not only supports local businesses but also provides memorable experiences that last longer than physical gifts.
Spas and Wellness
Restoration and Wellness abound in the mountain air and surroundings. One early adopter of the wellness in Estes Park was Isabella Bird, who was prescribed travel to aid her insomnia and blues. There are many choices for fitness, yoga, beauty, massage and more to be found.
Outdoor Adventures
And of course, when in Estes, everyone wants to soak up the beautiful vistas and natural beauty year round. There are so many outdoor experiences to choose from including hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, guided tours and more.
Convenient Online Shopping
Shopping locally online means you can enjoy all these benefits without stepping foot outside your home. Many shops in Estes Park offer online ordering with options for delivery or curbside pickup, making it easy to get your holiday shopping done efficiently. For groceries and meal prep, Safeway in Estes Park provides grocery delivery services, allowing you to stock up on essentials without the hassle of crowded stores. Nearby, ycheck out the only locally owned & operated grocery store & deli, The Country Market of Estes Park. You’ll want to visit this one in person for a yummy taste of local flavor.
Benefits of Shopping Locally Online
- Support Your Community: Every purchase helps sustain local businesses and artisans.
- Unique Finds: Discover one-of-a-kind gifts that reflect your loved ones’ personalities.
- Convenience: Shop from the comfort of your home without the stress of crowds.
- Last-Minute Options: Many local shops offer quick shipping or curbside pickup.
Neither snow nor rain nor dark of night will keep you from your holiday shopping when you embrace the ease and joy of shopping locally online in Estes Park. So pour yourself a warm cup of cocoa, cozy up at home, and let the holiday shopping begin!
In this ‘Golden Age’ of streaming entertainment, scores of apps and channels are available to enjoy utilizing high-speed fiber internet like Trailblazer Broadband’s network. Whether you’re a die-hard sports fanatic, a fan of British television, or in the market for quality children’s entertainment, there’s a streaming app for just about every taste. But, with all the choices and apps out there today, it can get confusing—and even intimidating—just to search for new series to binge or movies to unwind to at the end of a long day.
Fortunately, with Trailblazer Broadband’s independent partner MyBundle, streaming doesn’t have to be an aggravating experience! Below, we highlight some of the best ways MyBundle streamlines your streaming experience. From finding new apps and channels to keeping up with the latest episodes of your must-watch TV series to tracking and managing the content from your (probably many) subscriptions, MyBundle’s tools take the stress out of streaming!
Finding Streaming Platforms
With the dizzying number of streaming apps and channels available, it can be easy to get bogged down in a search for must-have platforms—and that’s before you’ve even started looking for your favorite show or scoping out your next obsession. MyBundle organizes streaming platforms in one easy-to-use dashboard. Navigating MyBundle’s Marketplace page eliminates much of the legwork needed to find apps.
And by using MyBundle’s Advanced Search option on the Marketplace page (located just to the right of the Marketplace’s search bar), you can hone your search by genre. This helps you seek out apps and channels you want (or have yet to discover) while weeding out the ones you don’t need. You can look for categories such as “Health” in the dropdown menu or “History” and “Documentary” categories in the Advanced Search tool. MyBundle has around 30 genres and categories to help you refine your search for apps and channels.
Discover New Streaming Content
After exploring streaming platforms, the real convenience—and fun—of MyBundle’s search tools comes in: finding great content! Just as MyBundle helps you discover new apps, it can assist you in picking out fresh TV series and movies to stream.
Simply click on MyBundle’s TV Shows and Movies page and browse the extensive content list! And just as you did while researching apps and channels on MyBundle, don’t forget to use the Advanced Search feature. Again, you can choose from over 50 different and wide-ranging content categories and genres to help you diversify your content. For example, if you want to sample fine cinema from the mid-20th century, select “Classic” and be instantly transported to another era. Sci-fi fans can get their fill, too, as can those who crave a good Western or just need a fun rom-com (which you can find by selecting both “Comedy” and “Romance” in the Advanced Search).
The possibilities go on and on, so when you’re ready to binge, hop on MyBundle and start exploring! Best of all, MyBundle lets you search for new content across all your subscriptions. This means you don’t have to log in and out of all the innumerable apps you have just to find new content.
MyBundle’s Watchlists
After perusing the vast amounts of content, take advantage of another of MyBundle’s features—its Watchlists.
Unlike other streaming apps and channels’ watchlists, which only let you include content on their apps and channels, MyBundle lets you add TV series and movies from all your apps and channels into one, simplified watchlist for TV series and another for movies.
It’s a handy organizational tool that helps you plan and prioritize your streaming time. Even better, you can review your MyBundle watchlists in one place without remembering which app or channel has the show or movie you’re eager to watch or wasting precious viewing time transiting between apps to find them!
Live TV
As you probably know by now, streaming services aren’t just for movies, series and podcasts. LiveTV with local stations is included in a number of streaming platforms such as HuluLive, YouTube TV, Sling, and DirectStream (DirecTV’s streaming service), just to name a few. Some of these live streaming services are targeted to a particular type of content, such as FuboTV for live sports.
Keep up with your spending
Streaming providers change plans and costs often. You may want to change your subscriptions based on what’s new and what you’re watching. And with all those subscriptions, it can be difficult to keep up with everything. With MyBundle, you can track all your streaming spending in one place.
Or perhaps it’s better to take advantage of free trial periods or discounted rates just to binge a particular series before deciding to join for longer. Seeing it all in one place on MyBundle helps you track your streaming budget and make better financial choices. With MyBundle, you can easily track all of your streaming apps and how much they cost. With all that information in one place, you can decide which platforms to keep and which to cut—potentially saving you hundreds every year.
The above are just some of the ways MyBundle helps make streaming a painless experience. To discover more reasons why MyBundle improves streaming, click here. And check out Trailblazer Broadband’s social pages to stay on top of the latest streaming entertainment news!
Remember Rosie from the Jetsons? Imagine having a helpful buddy at home that never sleeps, always listens, and is ready to assist you at a moment’s notice. That’s AI for you! It’s not just for tech whizzes or big businesses anymore; it’s here to make life easier for families, and that includes everyone from kids to seniors.
Easy Interfaces
Using AI is as simple as pie! AI-powered virtual assistants like Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri have revolutionized how people interact with technology in their homes. Trailblazer is using AI to assist in writing this article!
- Talk to Me: With voice commands, you can just say what you need. “Hey Google, play my favorite playlist!” No need for complicated buttons or manuals—just good old-fashioned chat.
- Visual Helpers: Many apps come with friendly guides that show you the ropes. Think of it as having a personal tutor who’s always there to help!
Family Bonding Made Fun
AI isn’t just about tech; it’s about bringing families closer together!
- Calendar Coordination: Keep everyone in the loop with shared calendars. No more “I thought we were meeting at 3!” moments—everyone knows what’s happening!
- Peace of Mind: With remote monitoring tools, family members can check in on children and seniors from afar. It’s like having a virtual safety net that keeps everyone connected.
Chatting Made Simple
Staying in touch has never been easier!
- Smart Messaging: AI can help craft the perfect message or even suggest replies. So if Grandma wants to text you about her new knitting project, she can do it without breaking a sweat!
- Video Calls Without the Hassle: Forget fumbling with buttons! AI can make video calls as easy as saying, “Let’s call Mom!”
Healthcare and Support
AI is enabling more tailored healthcare and support for seniors:
- Telemedicine platforms: AI-enhanced telemedicine services can provide remote health monitoring and virtual consultations, improving access to healthcare for seniors in remote areas.
- Personalized treatment plans: AI algorithms can analyze health data to provide customized care recommendations and treatment plans.
- Personalized Workouts: AI-powered fitness apps can create tailored exercise plans that adapt as you progress. Whether it’s yoga or light strength training, staying fit has never been more accessible (or fun!).
Personalized Magic
AI knows what you like and helps you find more of it!
- Adaptive Learning: The more you use it, the smarter it gets! It learns your preferences and becomes even more helpful.
- Feedback Fun: Got an idea? Share your thoughts! Many AI tools welcome feedback, so they can keep improving and stay relevant.
In short, AI is not just about technology; it’s about enhancing quality of life. It keeps everyone connected, supports our seniors, and makes daily tasks feel like a breeze. So why not embrace this tech-savvy buddy and enjoy all the fun (and ease) it brings? Cheers to making life simpler and more enjoyable together! 🎉
P.S. This article was written in conjunction with Perplexity.ai.
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