Reprinted with permission from the Allenspark Wind, December 2023 Vol. 50, No. 11, June 2024 Vol. 51, No. 5, by Edward Yagi
As Allenspark’s snowbirds return to our area and the annual rituals of opening up cabins, repairing snow and wind damage, and checking up with friends and neighbors are in full swing, a new item should be on everyone’s checklist this year: keeping abreast of the Trailblazer internet rollout.
In order to be good consumers, it is incumbent on all of us to do our homework and understand the terminology. It is with this in mind that the Wind has compiled this handy list of high-speed internet terms.
Broadband: In the distant past this referred to music groups like the the Bangles, the Go-Go’s, and Bananarama. Now it refers to high-speed data access, and by “high” we mean really high:10 gigabits per second (10 Gbps), which is 100 times faster than DSL – and 178,571 times faster than the old dial-up you used when the internet first came out.
DSL: An increasingly obsolete form of internet connection that uses existing telephone lines. Dial-up simply hijacked voice bandwidth and replaced it with data (which was why you couldn’t walk and chew gum at the same time in 1994). DSL uses “black box” software and equipment that separates voice from data on the same line at different frequencies. We told you this before.
ONT: OK this is new one. An Optical Network Terminal is the device in your home that converts optical signals from the FOC into the electrical signals used by your computers, phones, WiFi routers, etc. You can think of it as a fancy, advanced modem but you won’t be very “with it” if you do.
FOC: Fiber optic cable. C’mon, you should all know this by now.
EPP&C: Estes Park Power & Communications. Trailblazer is an ISP (internet service provider) that operates within EPP&C. Abbreviated to just “P&C” by cool people. The only people up here who have and are bringing you FOC.
UPS: This could either be the folks who deliver pack-ages to your doorstop or Uninterruptable Power Supply. In the latter case, a UPS is a kind of fancy battery that you install between the electrical outlet and the device you want to power or protect. A UPS can provide voltage regulation, surge protection, and backup power from anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. This last part is important because you might suffer from a….
PSD: This is as bad as it sounds: Power Supply Disruption. Basically, a blackout, due to either equipment failure, an accident, or probably the most common in Allenspark, weather factors such as high winds or heavy snow. But if you were an Xcel customer a few weeks ago, you probably got it with a…..
PSPS: Public Safety Power Shutoff. This is where a utility intentionally shuts off electricity to prevent power lines from sparking fires in potentially dangerous conditions. According to Estes Park Director of Utilities Reuben “Bomb.com” Bergsten, EPP&C is reluctant to do a PSPS, since this tends to mess up your morning, afternoon, or evening. But since anything is better than a Maui or a Marshall (fire), it will always be a possibility.
BTW, Trailblazer has its own internal emergency pow-er sources. This means that even if the electrical grid goes down, assuming you have EPP&C Trailblazer FOC and a UPS hooked up to your ONT, even with a PSD or PSPS you should still have internet connectivity long enough to at least access EMER INFO.
Just FYI. M.O.N.E.Y.: In 21st century Colorado, a series of zeros and ones in electronic financial ledgers that greatly deter-mines in what month, probably this year, Trailblazer service will reach our homes in Allenspark.
Vault covers & non-service impacting lines: Forget it. You don’t need to know.
Shock: A powerful but not-unpleasant emotion of surprise such as that felt by “Sean E” when Trailblazer hiked 1/8 of a mile through three feet of snow to do an installation at their home on March 15. If that date rings a bell, it was the day after Snowmageddon 2024. A “great bunch of dudes,” according to Sean, spent most of the day shoveling in order to do the installation. The dudettes, presumably, had the day off.
So unless you really enjoy having your internet crash frequently or waiting five minutes for your cat videos to download, you should have Trailblazer’s phone number on speed-dial and start making tentative preparations now, especially if you’re not a year-rounder, to get hooked up as soon as the service is available at your location.
And one more btw, Estes Park just had a new Town Board and new Mayor sworn in recently. Maybe they can help Trailblazer complete its roll-out by finding some M.O.N.E.Y.
It’s time for a community update as Trailblazer, with your invaluable support, continues planning the final phase of its fiber broadband buildout.
The project has reached a pivotal milestone by completing the majority of the main construction in our designated service areas. These areas include most parts within the Estes Park Town limits, extending north to Glen Haven and progressing along Highway 7 towards Allenspark. While this is the backbone of the fiber network, we still have a long way to go to bring service to everyone, particularly those in more remote locations. The desire for service has been overwhelmingly positive. Our installation calendar is currently booked well into the fall.
Meanwhile, we are re-strategizing our fiber construction to the remaining unbuilt areas of our community. With the shift to internal staff completing all new construction and installations, the remaining buildout takes additional time and careful consideration. These areas are challenging because of their distance, lower density, and, in most cases, difficult terrain. As you might expect, these challenges also make this final portion of the buildout more expensive.
In short, all main construction has been placed on hold as the original funding for the project has been exhausted due to the rising costs of construction materials and supply issues. While Trailblazer is thriving as a business, we haven’t been open long enough to generate a large enough revenue pool yet to use for mainline construction, though we are covering costs and meeting bond obligations without raising rates or using tax dollars as we originally committed to. We do prioritize where to put our efforts and resources based on the rate of return possible compared to the cost to build and the interest we have in Trailblazer based on the number of registrations from residents and businesses in a location.
Inflation has exponentially increased the cost of doing business for Trailblazer, as it has for most other companies and families in recent years. As a result, Trailblazer is actively seeking broadband funding through various grants to assist with rising material and construction costs in rural buildout areas. Trailblazer received a small amount of grant funding; however, most grant efforts proved unsuccessful with intense competition for too few dollars. The good news is that more grant money is available in 2024; however, those dollars are only applicable to “rural” buildouts. Other funding sources are not an option at this time, so we are focusing on generating additional revenue by building the outlying locations that qualify for grant funding first.
Waiting for a good thing is never easy – whether it is grant money or better internet service – and we appreciate the patience of our neighbors who do not yet have access to Trailblazer Broadband service. While there is no timeline at present, Trailblazer is working diligently to deliver this vital service as quickly as possible.
What can you do to help? Please take a moment to email Congressman Joe Neguse, your 2nd District Representative, describing your internet experience and asking for his support for broadband grants in our community.
Check the Trailblazer News Page and Construction Schedule for additional updates. If you haven’t already done so, please Register to Stay Informed so we can reach out when service is available in your area.
🎉🌐 Welcome to the epicenter of connectivity and community vibes – Estes Park! 🌟 As summer ramps up and activities abound, Trailblazer Broadband is connecting our community in ways you may not have thought about. And when high season hits and everyone and their aunt is scrambling for internet access, Trailblazer’s extra bandwidth swoops in at the speed of light, ensuring smooth sailing for all our online endeavors!
Where in the world is Trailblazer Broadband, you ask? Weaving its digital magic around town like a modern-day wizard to over 3,500 homes across the valley. But wait, there’s more! Trailblazer doesn’t just power those lucky users; it’s the reliable heartbeat behind over 300 businesses, sprinkling broadband joy like confetti at a party!
🏞️ Picture this: you’re lounging in Bond Park, soaking up the sun, and suddenly realize you’re not just basking in nature’s glory but also in the glow of #WapitiWiFi! That’s right, courtesy of Trailblazer Broadband, you’re surfing the digital waves without a care in the world for free with this full time WiFi access in and around Town Hall whenever you need it. No login, no password, just pure, unadulterated internet freedom!
🎶 Let’s groove into the heart of town where the Farmer’s Market sizzles, Elk Fest bugles, and local music fills the air with harmony. Cast your eyes around the park to the enticing shops and mouth watering food choices, many of which are part of the Trailblazer connected community.
🏛️ But hey, if you’re feeling a bit nostalgic and want to take a journey through time, why not swing by the Museum? It’s like a time machine with 30,000 treasures waiting to transport you through Estes Park’s rich history! And fear not, even if you’re couch-bound, dive into their digital treasure trove – from vintage newspapers back 1912 to oral history gems, it’s all just a click away!
📚 Last but definitely not least, behold the heart of the Estes Valley – the Estes Valley Library! It’s not just a place for books; it’s a playground for the mind! From captivating Storytimes for the little ones to enriching workshops for adults, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Our library is also a hub of services designed to make your life easier and more convenient. Need internet access? Printing services? A quiet space to let your creativity flow? The library’s got you covered, with support from Trailblazer!
In the coming months, whether you’re streaming your favorite summer jams, sharing snapshots of your outdoor adventures, or simply staying connected with loved ones near and far, rest assured that Trailblazer Broadband has got your back, keeping our community plugged in and thriving every step of the way! 🚀🔌 Let the summer fun begin! 🎉🌞
Over the past few years, one of the most significant innovations impacting healthcare in America is the massive expansion of online telehealth services, the practice of providing healthcare remotely through technology. From increasing access to specialists to reducing the spread of germs among vulnerable populations, the advantages of telehealth are considerable.1
Improved technology has made telemedicine easier, even for those who don’t consider themselves computer-savvy.2 Also, a reliable high-speed internet connection, like the one provided by Trailblazer Broadband’s fiber network, is essential for good connectivity, communication, and diagnostics on a successful telehealth conference.
Whether you’re looking for a faster prescription medication refill or just needing professional advice on taking your child or loved one to a clinic for more urgent care, you’ll likely find that telehealth makes life both easier and more efficient for you and your family!
Telehealth’s Enormous Expansion
Given the benefits discussed above, it’s no wonder that more and more patients are enjoying telehealth platforms. In 2022, about 25% of all patients took advantage of telehealth services. Compared to pre-2020 figures (i.e., pre-Covid), that represents a fivefold increase from just 5% patient usage! And the convenience and advantages keep attracting new patients to telehealth, both in America and worldwide.
Indeed, according to one study, overall global telehealth revenue in 2023 was estimated at a whopping $120.4 billion. That same study anticipated total revenue will reach $285.7 billion by 2028, a staggering figure representing over 23% growth in just five years.
Telemedicine Benefits
Telemedicine offers numerous benefits:
- Convenience: Telemedicine allows patients to access healthcare from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need for travel and reducing clinic wait times. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility issues, busy schedules, or those living in remote areas.
- Accessibility: Telemedicine breaks down geographical barriers, enabling patients to connect with healthcare providers regardless of their location. This is especially important for people living in rural or underserved areas with limited access to healthcare services.
- Cost-effectiveness: Telemedicine can lead to cost savings for patients and healthcare providers. Patients save money on transportation, parking, and childcare expenses associated with in-person visits, while healthcare providers can reduce overhead costs related to maintaining physical facilities.
- Improved efficiency: Telemedicine streamlines healthcare delivery by facilitating quicker access to care, reducing appointment wait times, and enabling more efficient communication between patients and providers. This can lead to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction.
- Continuity of care: Telemedicine allows for more frequent and convenient follow-up appointments, promoting better continuity of care. This particularly benefits patients with chronic conditions requiring ongoing monitoring and management.
- Reduced exposure to infectious diseases: Telemedicine reduces the need for in-person visits, thereby lowering the risk of exposure to contagious illnesses, including colds, flu, and COVID-19. This is especially relevant during public health emergencies and pandemics.
- Enhanced specialist access: Telemedicine enables patients to consult with specialists who may not be readily available in their local area. This expands access to specialized care and expertise, improving overall healthcare quality.
- Patient empowerment: Telemedicine empowers patients to take a more active role in managing their health by providing access to resources, educational materials, and remote monitoring tools. This can lead to better health outcomes through increased patient engagement and self-management.
Overall, telemedicine has the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery by making it more convenient, accessible, and cost-effective while improving patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Telehealth Resources
Considering the value of telehealth services and the incredibly fast growth of the industry, it’s important to know how to access these resources. While Trailblazer doesn’t endorse or recommend any particular service, here are a few to consider:
- Local Options
Estes Park has several telehealth options in its backyard. Estes Park Health offers virtual visits, and UC Health offers Virtual Urgent Care throughout Colorado. Online assistance can be accessed through a computer or tablet with a working webcam, speakers and a microphone, or a smartphone. UC Health offers access to Virtual Urgent Care through its downloadable app.
- Teladoc
One of the original pioneers of telehealth in the early 2000s, Teladoc provides a variety of health and medical needs at all hours. You can reach out to Teladoc when you need their expertise, no matter the time of day (or night). Teladoc has been particularly recognized for its mental health services, so patients considering online therapy may want to check out its offerings.
- Amwell
Another thorough and nearly complete telehealth service to consider is Amwell. Amwell is best known for collaborating with the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic and is well-regarded for its Second Opinion Service. Amwell might be a good option for patients seeking another expert or diagnostician to provide an opinion or prognosis after a previous diagnosis. However, remember that Amwell and its additional services are on the pricier side, though they also work with many kinds of insurance.
- Doctor on Demand
Like Teladoc and Amwell, Doctor on Demand also offers access to physicians and medical professionals 24 hours a day, seven days a week, making it easy to get appointments fairly fast. Doctor on Demand’s offerings tend to be somewhat more expensive than others, but its services are highly rated by users and are quite varied. Fun fact: One of the original founders of Doctor on Demand is the famous television personality Dr. Phil McGraw (“Dr. Phil”).
- Sesame Care
The most budget-friendly option on our list is Sesame Care. With Sesame Care’s online visits costing as low as $29 each, patients looking for more affordable telehealth will want to check it out. Sesame Care recently partnered with Costco, whose members receive even better pricing. Unlike the other telehealth services we recommend, Sesame Care does not employ an app to conduct consultations. Simply navigate to its website in a browser and follow the steps to book an appointment.
Making the Most of Telehealth Appointments
A reliable high-speed internet connection is critical to making the most of your telehealth appointment. Only a 100% fiber-to-the-home connection provides the same upload and download speeds. Upload speed is particularly important for video conferencing, where you need to be seen and heard effectively by the healthcare professional on the other end of the video conference.
Indeed, it’s not uncommon for doctors to decline to make a diagnosis if the video connection isn’t clear enough to assess the patient’s condition and symptoms confidently. Only fiber internet has the necessary speeds and generous bandwidth to convey the large amounts of data—video, voice, test results, medical charts, etc.—that telehealth consultations require, without interruptions that impede a proper medical assessment.
In this way, fiber ensures distortion-free video conferencing and clear communication between patients and healthcare professionals, regardless of which telehealth service you choose.
For a fiber internet connection you and your family can rely on, visit TrailblazerBroadband.com or call 970.577.3770.
1 “Benefits of Telemedicine | Johns Hopkins Medicine”
2 “Five Telehealth Services That Make Life Easier – S&T”
Move over kitchens and bathrooms–fiber has moved up on the must-have list for homebuyers. Now more than ever before, people want to work, learn, and access telehealth applications from home. Modern lifestyles require modern internet powered by a fiber network. In fact, a 2023 study showed that fiber-delivered internet access could increase a home’s value by almost 5%. On average, U.S. consumers would require a 4.9% decrease in price for a non-fiber home, a 3.2% decrease for a non-fiber condo, and a 12.8% decrease for a non-fiber apartment.
What’s the Data Saying?
The Fiber Broadband Association’s (FBA) 2023 consumer research study highlights that fiber is no longer just a bonus–it’s a necessity. U.S. consumers rated high-quality broadband as the second most important amenity in a home, just after a laundry room. Nearly two-thirds of all consumers consider fiber to be the best internet service delivery method in terms of speed and reliability. Beyond that, there is an increasing body of research linking investment in broadband networks with accelerated economic performance. Communities with fast and reliable fiber networks often exhibit higher rates of per capita GDP.
Fast and Reliable Internet for Remote Workers
Not only is the Internet a prime source of communication and entertainment, but it’s also essential for the American white-collar workforce. With over 40% of Americans working remotely full-time or part-time as of June 2023, fast, secure, and reliable internet has become an invaluable asset. Remote workers favor fiber internet because cable internet can be significantly slower and far less reliable than fiber. Cable internet speeds typically range from 10-250 Mbps for downloads and 5-50 Mbps for uploads. Fiber internet, however, can provide 250-1,000 Mbps for both downloads and uploads—a critical benefit for those looking to use video conferencing tools at home.
The Future of Fiber
Even those who don’t work from home are more likely to want high-speed internet for telehealth applications than they were a few years ago. Five times more patients utilize telehealth services now than before the COVID-19 pandemic, and that number is expected to increase.
Thankfully, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) $42 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program is working to catch up to consumers’ needs. According to the FBA, the amount of fiber deployed over the next five years will nearly match the total amount of fiber that has been deployed throughout history.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, better broadband equals increased property values, more opportunities for remote work, and enhanced access to digital services like telehealth and streaming. And, of course, better opportunities yield innovation. Increased access to fiber promotes job creation, upward mobility, entrepreneurship, expanding local businesses, and attracting new ones. Fiber brings massive benefits to communities, so it’s no wonder fiber increases individual home values too! To learn more about fiber availability at your home, contact Trailblazer Broadband today. We’d love to get you connected.
Trailblazer Broadband is municipally owned and is Estes Park’s only locally supported high-speed broadband service provided over fiber optic lines. For more information, contact Trailblazer Broadband at info@trailblazerbroadband.com or (970)577-3770. More Trailblazer news is available at www.trailblazerbroadband.com and https://www.facebook.com/TrailblazerBroadband/.
According to numerology, the number “5” symbolizes freedom, curiosity, and change – a desire to have adventures and explore new possibilities. So let’s follow that logic and explore 5G cellular service and how it compares to fiber internet.
Most people are delighted when they turn on their device’s Wi-Fi connection and see “5G.” That means fast and dependable connectivity. But is 5G the best solution for your in-home Wi-Fi and high-speed internet needs? If you live in Estes Park, the answer is generally no because 5G cellular service is largely unavailable in the Estes Valley and does not provide the functional advantages of Fiber-to-the-Home Internet that currently exists through Trailblazer Broadband.
You may have heard about 5G coming to town in the past. In 2022, Crown Castle and CDOT worked together on a year-long cell tower project to maintain a connection down the 20-mile stretch of US 36 between Estes Park and Lyons. This connection is extremely valuable for cell service and 911 accessibility through the canyon and parts of the Rocky Mountain National Park.
Building a full 5G network would be the responsibility of cellular carriers such as Verizon, AT&T, etc., and 5G requires a fully functional fiber network before it can be built. Even then, setting up a 5G network in Estes Park will be extremely difficult since it would require fiber to every neighborhood. Although Trailblazer is deploying this type of Fiber-to-the-Home network, a cellular company would also have to install antennas within a maximum of 1000 feet from anywhere service is required. There are no current plans for that type of cellular project, and many residents would likely be resistant to having cell towers erected throughout the town and residential areas.
Sometimes confusion exists over the difference between 5G cellular and 5GHz Wi-Fi, so what is the difference really?
Fundamentally, 5G and 5GHz technology utilize radio waves (electromagnetic radiation) to enable wireless communication. However, they use different radio wave technologies. Additionally, 5G and 5GHz stand for two different technologies.
5G is an abbreviation for the fifth generation of wireless cellular communication technology. 5G cellular—the replacement of 4G/LTE systems – utilizes relatively similar radio frequency (RF) bands as its cellular predecessors, plus a new radio (NR) frequency band not previously used for RF wireless communications. Like all cellular networks, it is susceptible to interference and traffic overloads similar to what Estes Park residents have often seen in the past during the summer high season.
5GHz, on the other hand, is one of several operating frequency bands reserved for Wi-Fi. Most modern Wi-Fi routers offer two RF band options upon setup – 2.4GHz and 5GHz. 2.4GHz Wi-Fi is better at providing internet over long distances and through solid surfaces, but 5GHz Wi-Fi signals have lower latency and higher internet speeds than 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. Both of these frequencies are utilized by Trailblazer Broadband Wi-Fi service.
Aside from being different technologies, there are several differences between 5G and 5GHz capabilities. Generally, 5G cellular capabilities are far faster than 5GHz, but each has its own value and use cases.
5G cellular technology occupies three different frequency bands, and the range and quality of these signals vary greatly. For example, low band 5G frequencies can only reach internet speeds of 50 to 250 Mbps. High band 5G frequencies can reach theoretical speeds of up to 20 Gbps (1,000 Mbps = 1 Gbps) and support hundreds of devices; however, these high band frequencies are rarely available outside of large metropolitan areas. In comparison, wired fiber internet can reliably provide between 1 Gbps and 10 Gbps symmetrically for both upload and download speeds for multiple devices within a home or business.
There are no plans to expand 5G cellular service across the Estes Valley at this time; however, most of the valley now has access to Trailblazer Broadband for fast, dependable internet through its 100% fiber optic lines. Trailblazer is currently available to approximately 82 percent of the Estes Park Power and Communications service area.
The performance advantages of fiber include:
- Fiber capacity is easily over 10,000 times that of a perfectly functioning 5G wireless network.
- A wired fiber is not susceptible to interference like wireless technologies.
- Fiber is not impacted by atmospheric and physical obstruction like 5G.
- Fiber is more secure than all wireless technologies.
- The data-carrying capacity of fiber is, for all practical purposes, virtually unlimited.
- Fiber has symmetrical speeds, so its uploads are as fast as downloads.
The bottom line is that fiber remains the go-to connection type for extremely fast and reliable internet in Estes Valley. By having the foresight to build a fiber-optic infrastructure for Trailblazer Broadband, the Town of Estes Park is able to offer internet service with Wi-Fi included at significantly better speed, reliability, and latency (speeds for loading data) than ever before, which negates the need for 5G cellular in and around the community and outshines any satellite alternative that is currently available.
Resources:
https://www.arrow.com/en/research-and-events/articles/what-frequency-spectrum-will-5g-technology-use-and-how-does-this-compare-to-4g
https://insidetowers.com/crown-castle-brings-coverage-and-safety-to-estes-park/
https://www.eptrail.com/2022/01/05/better-cell-service-coming-to-local-us36-corridor/
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