UPDATE – June 23, 2025: BEAD Program Changes May Limit Funding for Estes Valley
Since this blog was originally published, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has released further updates to the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program that could impact our region’s eligibility for funding.
The NTIA has restructured the program under a new approach referred to as “The Benefit of the Bargain,” which emphasizes cost-efficiency over infrastructure type. These changes have triggered a full reset of the grant process, including the following key developments:
1. All Preliminary Awards Rescinded
The State of Colorado must now reopen the subgrantee selection process. This includes rescinding all preliminary awards, including the one Trailblazer Broadband had been conditionally approved for earlier this year. All potential applicants are watching for updated guidance from the Colorado Broadband Office (CBO) regarding next steps and location eligibility.
2. Technology Neutrality Introduced
BEAD funding will no longer prioritize fiber-optic networks. Instead, any broadband technology capable of delivering the FCC-mandated minimum speeds may be selected, including fixed wireless and hybrid systems.
While these technologies can offer faster deployment and lower up-front costs, they can be more expensive to scale over time and may face challenges in areas like the Estes Valley, where terrain, vegetation, and seasonal weather impact signal quality and network reliability. Fiber infrastructure, while more costly to build initially, remains the most consistent and scalable solution over time.
3. New Provider Challenge Process
Under the updated rules, broadband providers across the state will be allowed to resubmit data showing existing service coverage that meets the 100/30 standard. If accepted, these coverage claims may render certain locations ineligible for BEAD funding—even if residents in those areas still experience inconsistent service or lack reliable connectivity.
What This Means for Trailblazer & Estes Valley
These changes will likely reduce the number of areas eligible for support in our mountain community, where broadband construction is inherently more expensive. It also means cost, not durability or long-term performance, will likely guide funding decisions.
Trailblazer Broadband remains committed to advocating for solutions that meet our community’s needs—not just today, but well into the future. We will continue to work with the CBO and other partners to explore all available opportunities for support and will keep our community informed as more information becomes available.
Original Post – June 17, 2025
As many of you know, Trailblazer Broadband has already invested nearly $30 million to bring high-speed fiber internet to our community. We’re proud to be among the many “shovel-ready” broadband projects nationwide—fully engineered, permitted, and ready to build the final miles.
Unfortunately, recent federal developments have added a new layer of uncertainty. On June 6, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced sweeping changes to the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.
Among the most impactful:
- States must now conduct at least one more competitive funding round—even if they’ve already selected awardees.
- The former preference for fiber-optic technology has been removed. Now, any solution that meets minimum speed and latency requirements is considered a “priority” project.
- States will be required to re-submit their BEAD proposals, with a new emphasis on selecting the lowest cost-per-premise
While Colorado has been proactive—submitting letters to Secretary Lutnick and continuing to advocate for BEAD deployment—we don’t yet know how these new federal mandates will affect preliminary awards like ours. At a minimum, we anticipate that the application process will be extended and that previously planned allocations may be reevaluated under this new framework.
We’re sympathetic to the growing frustration these delays and changes create—not just for communities still waiting for service, but for small local teams like ours who are balancing day-to-day operations and navigating the increasing complexity of federal grant compliance. These changes could mean more competition for limited dollars and a higher cost-efficiency bar to clear—despite the fact that we’re ready to build today.
Still, we remain committed to seeing this through. Trailblazer Broadband will continue advocating for Estes Park, Glen Haven, Allenspark, and the entire Estes Valley—because reliable, high-speed internet isn’t a luxury. It’s fast becoming a utility, and a necessity.
We’ll keep you posted as we learn more from the State of Colorado in the coming weeks. In the meantime, thank you—as always—for your patience and support.
Cultivating a Water-Wise Colorado Garden
In Colorado, where water is precious and drought conditions are common, responsible gardening practices are more important than ever. Xeriscaping—a landscaping approach that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental irrigation—has long been a staple of smart, sustainable gardening here. But now, thanks to the power of smart technology and fiber internet from Trailblazer Broadband, it’s easier than ever to cultivate eco-friendly gardens that thrive in our unique climate.
Whether you’re growing native plants, herbs, or vegetables, gardening can be both therapeutic and rewarding. But the physical effort and constant upkeep often required can be daunting. Fortunately, smart gardening technology offers innovative tools to help Colorado gardeners save time, conserve water, and boost yields—all while protecting our natural resources.
Smart Gardening in Colorado: Technology Meets Sustainability
Smart gardening integrates modern technology into traditional gardening practices to help you monitor, automate, and optimize your garden using devices that sync with your smartphone or tablet. These tools are especially valuable in water-conscious states like Colorado, where efficient irrigation and climate-appropriate plant choices make all the difference.
Here’s how smart tech is transforming sustainable gardening across the Centennial State:
🌱 Smart Irrigation Systems
Smart irrigation systems are a game-changer for water conservation. These systems use soil moisture sensors, weather data, and plant-specific watering needs to deliver just the right amount of water—only when it’s actually needed. This means healthier plants, lower utility bills, and significantly less water waste.
Local Tip: Look into rebate programs from local water districts like Northern Water or Resource Central in Boulder for discounts on smart irrigation tools and consultations.
🌿 Advanced Soil Sensors
Good soil health is key to a flourishing garden. Smart soil sensors take the guesswork out of gardening by measuring critical metrics like moisture levels, temperature, and nutrient content. This data empowers gardeners to make informed decisions about watering, fertilizing, and planting—minimizing both waste and effort.
🌼 Xeriscaping and Native Plants
Colorado is the ideal environment for xeriscaping, which emphasizes drought-tolerant native plants like blue grama grass, blanket flower, and Rocky Mountain penstemon. These plants require far less water than traditional turf lawns and support local pollinators and wildlife.
Want to learn more? Check out the Colorado Native Plant Society and the Plant Select® program for ideas on what to plant in your region.
🤖 Smart Gardening Devices
From automated drip irrigation to robotic weeders and mowers (for those who still maintain some grass), smart gardening tools can dramatically reduce the physical labor required for upkeep. These devices use GPS, AI, and advanced programming to care for your garden efficiently—freeing up more time to enjoy the outdoors rather than toil in it.
The Future is Fiber-Powered and Eco-Friendly
All of these innovations are powered by fast, reliable internet. Trailblazer Broadband’s high-speed fiber network ensures that your smart gardening tools stay connected and responsive—whether you’re adjusting irrigation schedules from your kitchen or checking soil conditions on vacation.
As Colorado communities grow more climate-conscious, the future of gardening will be defined by low-water, low-maintenance, and high-tech solutions. By embracing smart gardening, you can do your part to protect our natural resources while cultivating a vibrant and sustainable outdoor space.
Helpful Colorado Resources for Smart, Sustainable Gardening:
Ready to grow smarter? Let Trailblazer Broadband connect your garden to the future—one drop of water at a time.
In Estes Park, CO, where breathtaking mountain views meet the charm of small-town living, more and more residents are embracing the convenience and peace of mind that comes with a smart home. At the heart of this modern transformation is Trailblazer Broadband—Estes Park’s community-owned, 100% fiber-optic internet service.
With ultra-fast, reliable internet as the backbone, homeowners can take full advantage of today’s smart technology—whether you live here full-time or just during part of the year.
Fiber Internet: The Backbone of a Smart Home
A smart home is only as strong as its internet connection. Devices like smart thermostats, cameras, lighting systems, door locks, and sensors all rely on steady, fast, and responsive connectivity to work as intended. Trailblazer’s fiber network provides the kind of high-speed, low-latency internet that allows these systems to operate smoothly—whether you’re streaming real-time security footage, adjusting your thermostat remotely, or getting alerts about an open window.
Seasonal Hold: Stay Connected, Even When You’re Away
One of the unique challenges of mountain-town living is that many homeowners only spend part of the year here. Trailblazer recognizes this and offers a seasonal hold option that keeps your connection live with just enough bandwidth to support essential smart home functions while you’re away.
This means your security cameras can continue monitoring, your smart thermostat can protect your pipes from freezing, and motion sensors can send you alerts if something’s not right—all without having to fully disconnect your service. It’s a quiet, behind-the-scenes way to maintain peace of mind when your home is sitting empty.
Smart Home Functionality: Beyond the Basics
Most people are familiar with the basics of smart homes—voice-controlled lights, smart thermostats, security cameras—but the possibilities go far beyond that. With a strong fiber connection like Trailblazer’s, here are some lesser-known and surprisingly useful things you can do with smart home tech:
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Remote Pet Monitoring: Set up cameras and treat dispensers that let you watch, talk to, and even reward your pet while you’re away.
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Smart Leak Detection: Water leak sensors can notify you of potential issues before they become major damage—particularly helpful in vacation homes.
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Automated Blinds: Smart shades can adjust based on the time of day or sun position, improving energy efficiency and protecting furniture from UV rays.
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Geo-Fencing: Your home can respond to your location—unlocking the door and turning on lights when you arrive, and adjusting energy settings when you leave.
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Voice-Controlled Appliance Integration: From ovens that preheat on command to washers that text you when the cycle’s done, smart appliances can streamline your routine.
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Smart Plugs & Energy Monitoring: See how much energy specific devices use and automate when they turn on or off to reduce waste.
- Health & Wellness Features: Devices like Alexa or Google Assistant can offer medication reminders, daily wellness checks, and even emergency calling features—making them especially helpful for seniors aging in place. And with a stable internet connection, telehealth appointments are smoother and more accessible than ever, even in a mountain town.
Energy Efficiency: Smart for Your Wallet, and the Planet
One of the biggest benefits of a smart home—especially one connected through a fast, reliable fiber network—is energy efficiency. By learning your habits and making real-time adjustments, devices like smart thermostats, lighting systems, and irrigation controllers help reduce overall consumption.
You can monitor and optimize your energy use room by room, day by day. Not only does this lower your utility bills, but it also reduces your environmental footprint—an especially meaningful choice in a place as beautiful and ecologically sensitive as Estes Park.
A Smarter Way to Live in the Mountains
Trailblazer Broadband gives Estes Park residents the digital infrastructure to support the kind of smart home living that was once only a futuristic dream. Whether you’re automating your home for everyday convenience, monitoring it remotely from across the country, or just trying to reduce your impact on the environment, fast and reliable internet is the foundation that makes it all possible.
Smart, secure, sustainable living isn’t just for big cities anymore—it’s right here in the Rockies, powered by the community and connected by Trailblazer.
Check Out FAST Streaming Platforms
The world of streaming entertainment is no longer just about on-demand movies and television shows. Live streaming TV is everywhere and available on several different platforms.
One of the best ways families can enjoy live streaming TV is through FAST streaming platforms. FAST—short for Free, Ad-Supported Television—is a budget-saving, live streaming TV option for cost-conscious consumers.
With MyBundle, you know you can already build a package of apps and channels you and your family will most enjoy—while saving you money. And now, MyBundle offers its very own FAST streaming platform—another great way to cut costs while still enjoying outstanding home streaming entertainment! Combined with the high-speed fiber internet delivered to your home by Trailblazer Broadband, FAST streaming, including MyBundle’s option, may offer the ultimate, most efficient home entertainment package possible so that you can cut the cable cord (and the bills) for good!
Below we explain more about FAST streaming TV, including how it works and how you can use it for maximum savings. We also detail MyBundle’s FAST streaming platform. Read on to learn more!
What is FAST Streaming?
In a nutshell, FAST streaming TV offers you live entertainment, news, sports, and more streamed over the internet for free.
Like broadcast television served over an antenna, FAST’s programming is free because ads support it.
With FAST streaming TV, you don’t need a new “box,” more wires, or any additional equipment beyond what you already use to access the internet on your devices. And ad-supported FAST streaming TV means you don’t have to shell out more money each month to enjoy live television.
FAST’s advantages extend beyond the cost savings. FAST streaming also brings a deep library of streaming entertainment, including live TV. And high-speed fiber internet creates pristine picture quality, something you won’t always find on traditional broadcast television. Beyond paying your monthly internet service bill, FAST streaming TV is free for you to enjoy.
FAST Streaming Platforms
The growth of FAST channels and platforms over the past few years is stunning.
Today, more than a thousand FAST channels are available in America! As are other leading streaming tech companies, all the major channels are in on the action.
Major broadcast networks offer FAST options, like CBS, which provides Pluto TV through its streaming platform, Paramount, while Fox has Tubi. NBC’s Peacock also features its own FAST service, while Amazon offers the recently re-named Freevee (formerly IMBd TV).
Both Roku and Samsung—major producers of Smart TVs and streaming devices—have FAST streaming services. Other networks are expected to launch FAST streaming services soon, including A&E and AMC, offering their popular and prestige content to stream free with ads.
MyBundle’s FAST TV Option
And coming soon to MyBundle, you’ll be able to enjoy the cost-savings of FAST streaming TV right in the MyBundle dashboard! MyBundle’s fully integrated FAST option will provide many advantages you’ll love.
First, MyBundle’s sleek and intuitive design makes its Live-TV button accessible. You’ll see it at the top right of your screen when you log on. So you’ll quickly start streaming content anytime you want.
Second, your MyBundle account works seamlessly across all your logged-in devices. You can watch MyBundle’s FAST streaming live TV on your mobile phone, tablet, or laptop—anywhere you can connect to the internet!
Third, MyBundle’s unique search and recommendation tools can help you find content across many genres, including top network shows, live news and sports, kids’ entertainment and educational programming, home improvement and design, travel and nature, and Spanish language shows.
Fourth, with its easy alternation between live FAST TV and on-demand apps in one space, MyBundle users don’t have to decide what to watch. Instead, they can simply surf to find something new and unanticipated—without paying excessive extra bills for live TV.
To learn more about how MyBundle saves you money and improves your streaming experience at the same time, click here. And follow Trailblazer Broadband ‘s social pages for more helpful advice on enjoying your high-speed fiber internet!
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
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