READER NOTE: Bookmark this page where we will be posting additional progress updates in the future. If you or someone you know is not already registered in our system, please do so HERE. There is no obligation whatsoever to register, and you will be the first to know of any changes that impact your neighborhood.
Triumphs and Challenges in Rural Connectivity
As Trailblazer Broadband celebrates its 5th anniversary, the community-owned internet provider reflects on significant strides in connecting Estes Park and surrounding areas. With total fiber internet now available to 90% of the planned service area, Trailblazer has become an essential utility for over 4,000 clients, with installations now booked into January 2025 due to high demand. Providing service to the remaining 10% of proposed service locations, of the project presents some challenges that are currently being addressed. The Town Board of Trustees and Mayor Gary Hall were updated recently on the Trailblazer Construction status.
Remaining Challenges
Geographic Area
Trailblazer’s geographic footprint covers an area larger than Longmont, Fort Collins, and Loveland combined, and the remaining 10% of proposed service locations are spread across a large, sparsely populated area. This last phase of the project, dubbed “Phase 4,” encompasses the most challenging areas to build, including areas along Highway 34, Highway 66 (out to the YMCA), and the Highway 7 corridor to Allenspark. Logically, this area is more expensive to build because of terrain, size distance between service locations, and lower revenue yield because of lower population. Further, based on utility usage, over 50% of potential clients in these sprawling areas are seasonal, part-time residents based on their utility usage.
As Phase 4 residents and businesses know (this includes you, Allenspark!), Trailblazer has been “Coming Soon” for more than a year now. Many folks have noted that our crews have run fiber along main routes in their area such as Highway 7 to downtown Allenspark, so service should be available, correct? Unfortunately, just because main fiber has been built to a certain area, does not mean the network is complete and ready to offer service to individual locations. Think of it this way:
Imagine a massive oak tree representing the fiber network. The thick, sturdy trunk and main branches have already grown strong – this is the backbone of the fiber network that’s been built. However, the smaller branches that extend out to the very edges, along with the twigs and leaves, are still missing. These represent the connections to individual neighborhoods and homes. Just as it takes more energy and resources for a tree to grow its outermost branches and leaves, it’s more complex and costly to build the final connections of a fiber network.
In town, it’s like growing branches in rich, fertile soil:
Many homes are close together, like leaves clustered on a branch
The infrastructure (conduits, poles) often already exists
Higher population density means more potential customers per mile of fiber
In rural regions, it’s like trying to grow branches in rocky, sparse terrain:
Homes are spread far apart, like isolated leaves on long, thin twigs
New infrastructure may need to be built from scratch
Fewer potential customers per mile of fiber laid, and in this case, many homes that are seasonal and may not need service year-round.
The rural component of a buildout like this often accounts for a disproportionate amount of the total network cost:
In urban areas, it might cost $500-$1000 per home to connect
In rural areas, it could cost $5000-$10,000 or more per home
This is why internet service providers often prioritize deployments in high population density, where they can connect more customers for less investment, similar to how a tree naturally grows more leaves where branches are densest.
Finally, before we can bring service to the rest of Allenspark and some other less densely populated areas, we must fulfill our existing obligations and installations which have slowed as you read in the blog above. At this time, we simply don’t have the resources to open those areas and fulfill our existing obligations.
In the meantime, using the main fiber lines that are currently in place, Trailblazer has piloted service in a couple of places in Allenspark, including Wild Basin. By the end of the year, public Wifi service will be available at the Allenspark Firehouse to ensure that the community has a reliable location to provide emergency communication and Wifi services for the winter. This is similar to the free Wifi central access point that is available at Estes Park Town Hall and at the Glen Haven Firehouse. With grant funding anticipated, we plan to being installations in Allenspark in late spring or early summer 2025.
At the outset, Trailblazer promised not to use any tax dollars to fund this project, and it continues to make good on that promise. Construction is currently on hold pending additional funding. Trailblazer is actively pursuing BEAD grant funding to complete rural area constructions in these costly, less densely populated zones.
Rising construction costs and supply issues have exhausted the original bond and grant funding. Trailblazer is actively pursuing BEAD grant funding to complete rural area constructions in these costly, less densely populated zones[2]. If successful, main-line construction work could potentially resume by mid-2025. Since rural construction and the associated rising costs are not feasible for most service providers, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has established a $42.45 billion grant program to date to provide funding for ISPs to be able to expand service to these high-cost, often challenging locations. The State of Colorado has been approved to receive funds for CO internet expansion through the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program (BEAD) grant program.
Even better, The Town of Estes Park/Trailblazer Broadband was selected to receive no-cost professional assistance to support our BEAD grant writing efforts to ensure the best chance of receiving the necessary funding through this grant to complete the grant-eligible locations covered in this funding opportunity.
Staffing Adjustments
As originally planned, Trailblazer shifted to 100% of construction, installations, and maintenance work done in-house at the end of 2023. This plan unfortunately coincided with losing 2 key staff, which has slowed the progress of our buildout.
With the current limited staffing, Trailblazer field technicians are managing all projects, including any main & service line construction/maintenance/repair; this also includes the loop project, roundabout construction, Cleave St, WAPA support, all installations, replacing damaged lines and any other main or premise maintenance required. Trailblazer management looked at the cost of bringing in contractors to assist with the backlog, but would not have had a significant impact by the time they were onboarded and would have cost a whopping $25,000-$30,000 per week.
Recent positions were filled with existing contracted staff members, and Trailblazer continues to seek additional staff, which proves challenging in the existing job market for Estes Park. Meanwhile, the team is working on assessing the upcoming schedule to see how we can best accommodate the schedule backlog.
Ahead of the Curve
Despite these challenges, Trailblazer remains committed to its goal of providing high-speed internet to the entire community. While many rural and mountain communities across the country are just beginning to source funding and prepare a high speed internet rollout, Estes Park is far ahead of the curve having recognized the need for this essential service long ago. The project stands as a testament to the power of community-owned broadband initiatives, and the forethought of Estes Park in particular, in bridging the digital divide and connecting our community.
This post is excerpted from https://www.ready.gov/power-outages, an official website of the United States Government. Launched in February 2003, Ready is a National public service campaign designed to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies and disasters. The goal of the campaign is to promote preparedness through public involvement.
Extended power outages may impact the whole community and the economy. A power outage is when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly.
A power outage may:
Disrupt communications, water and transportation.
Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATMs, banks and other services.
Cause food spoilage and water contamination.
Prevent use of medical devices.
Power Outage Tips
Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
Use a generator, but ONLY outdoors and away from windows.
Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
Check with local officials about heating and cooling locations open near you.
How to Protect Yourself During A Power Outage
Go to a community location with power if heat or cold is extreme. Remember that Free #WapitiWifi is available in the Downtown area for communications.
Preparing for a Power Outage
Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity. Plan for batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs when the power goes out, such as a portable charger or power bank. Have flashlights for every household member. Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.
Using Appliances During Power Outages
Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home. Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home. Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment, or electronics. Power may return with momentary surges or spikes that can cause damage.
Know Your Medical Needs
Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
Food Storage
Have enough nonperishable food and water. Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Use coolers with ice if necessary. Monitor temperatures with a thermometer. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher.
Generator Safety
Generators can be helpful when the power goes out. It is important to know how use them safely to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and other hazards.
Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages.
Install working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can kill you, your family and pets.
Keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding. Touching a wet generator or devices connected to one can cause electrical shock.
Always connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.
Let the generator cool before refueling. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts can ignite.
Follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Returning After A Power Outage
When in doubt, throw it out! Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color or texture.
If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug’s label says otherwise. Consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately for a new supply.
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.
🎉🌐 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 Marketsizzles, 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 ValleyLibrary! 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”
Generators can be helpful when the power goes out. It is important to know how use them safely to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and other hazards.
Recent Comments