AI for Beginners: What It Is, Where You See It, and How to Use It Wisely

AI for Beginners: What It Is, Where You See It, and How to Use It Wisely

Artificial Intelligence, often shortened to AI, is showing up in more conversations, more apps, and more parts of daily life. Depending on who you ask, it can sound exciting, confusing, helpful, overhyped, or a little unsettling.

The truth is probably somewhere in the middle.

At its simplest, AI is computer technology designed to complete tasks that normally require some form of human thinking — things like recognizing patterns, understanding language, sorting information, making predictions, or creating new content.

A helpful way to think about AI is as an efficient assistant. It can sort through huge amounts of information very quickly, find patterns, and help with certain tasks. But it does not truly “think” like a person. It does not have common sense, emotions, judgment, or lived experience.

That means AI can be useful — but it still needs a human in the driver’s seat.

How AI Works, in Plain English

Traditional computer programs follow very specific instructions. For example: “If this happens, do that.”

AI works a little differently. Instead of being told every single step, many AI systems are trained on large amounts of data so they can recognize patterns.

Think of how someone learns to recognize a cat. They do not memorize one perfect picture of a cat. They see many cats over time — big cats, small cats, fluffy cats, grumpy cats, majestic cats judging you from the windowsill — and eventually learn the pattern of what makes something “cat-like.”

AI learns in a similar way, but with data instead of personal experience.

Common AI Terms

Machine Learning
This is one of the most common forms of AI. It allows a computer system to get better at a task by learning from data.

Generative AI
This is the type of AI that can create something new, such as text, images, music, summaries, computer code, or ideas. Tools like ChatGPT and image generators fall into this category.

Algorithms
These are sets of rules or instructions a computer uses to process information and produce a result.

Quick Note: Generative AI
Generative AI can help write a first draft, brainstorm ideas, or create a picture of a moose wearing sunglasses. Whether the world needed that moose is still up for debate.

You Probably Already Use AI

AI may sound futuristic, but most of us interact with it regularly.

You may see AI in:

  • Email spam filters that help block suspicious messages
  • Face ID or photo recognition on your phone
  • Streaming recommendations on services like Netflix or YouTube
  • Navigation apps that predict traffic and arrival times
  • Voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, or Microsoft Copilot Voice
  • Online shopping suggestions
  • Fraud detection from banks and credit card companies
  • Search engines that try to understand what you are looking for

In many cases, AI is working quietly in the background. It is not always obvious, but it is already part of many tools people use every day.

What AI Is Good At

AI can be helpful for tasks that involve organizing, summarizing, drafting, comparing, or looking for patterns.

For example, AI may help you:

  • Rewrite a message in a clearer tone
  • Summarize a long article
  • Brainstorm ideas
  • Create a packing list or meal plan
  • Explain a complicated topic in simpler language
  • Sort information into categories
  • Draft a starting point for a letter, flyer, or document

The key phrase is starting point.

AI can help get you unstuck, but it should not replace your own judgment — especially when accuracy, privacy, money, health, or legal decisions are involved. Think of AI as a helpful starting point, not the final authority. When it really matters, check with a trusted expert.

What AI Is Not So Good At

AI can sound very confident, even when it is wrong. That is one of the biggest things to understand.

AI tools can:

  • Make mistakes
  • Leave out important context
  • Use outdated or incomplete information
  • Misunderstand what you are asking
  • Create answers that sound correct but are not
  • Reflect bias from the data they were trained on

So, while AI can be useful, it is always smart to verify important information from a trusted source.

A good rule of thumb: Use AI to help you think, not to think for you.

Quick Note: Trust, But Verify
Think of AI like asking a very fast intern: useful, enthusiastic, and occasionally in need of supervision.

A Few Smart Safety Tips

As AI tools become more common, scammers are also finding ways to use them. That makes basic online safety even more important.

Do not enter sensitive personal information into public AI tools.
Avoid sharing Social Security numbers, bank information, passwords, medical details, account numbers, or anything private.

Double-check important answers.
For medical, financial, legal, or government-related questions, always verify with a trusted professional or official source.

Be cautious with realistic-looking images, videos, or voices.
AI can now create fake images, fake videos, and even voice recordings that sound like real people. If something feels urgent, emotional, or suspicious, pause and verify through another method.

Remember that AI-generated content may still need editing.
AI can help draft a message, but you should review it before sending. Think of it like spellcheck with a bigger toolbox.

The Bottom Line

AI is not magic, and it is not something to fear automatically. It is a tool — and like any tool, it works best when people understand what it can do, what it cannot do, and when to be careful.

You do not have to become an expert overnight. Start small. Ask questions. Stay curious. And remember: the best technology is the kind that helps people feel more informed, more confident, and more connected.

That part is still very human.

Spring Cleaning with a Click: Simple Ways the Internet Can Help

Spring Cleaning with a Click: Simple Ways the Internet Can Help

Spring cleaning usually brings to mind closets, garages, junk drawers, and a few corners of the house we tend to avoid until absolutely necessary. But these days, a little seasonal cleanup can go beyond dusting and decluttering.

The internet can also help you get organized, check off to-dos, and make daily life run a little more smoothly.

From finding cleaning tips to organizing digital files, scheduling donations, and updating home devices, it can be one of the most useful tools in the house this time of year.

Here are a few simple ways to put it to work.

Start with cleaning help at your fingertips

Not everyone keeps a spring cleaning checklist tucked away in a drawer, and thankfully, nobody has to.

A quick online search can help you find room-by-room cleaning guides, organization tips, product comparisons, and short how-to videos for chores that do not always come with instructions.

Whether you are trying to wash window screens, deep clean a coffee maker, tackle the pantry, or finally deal with dusty ceiling fans, the internet can help break bigger jobs into manageable steps.

It can also make shopping easier. Instead of driving from store to store, you can compare products, check availability, or order supplies online before you get started.

Clear out clutter and make donating easier

Spring is a good time to take a fresh look at the things we no longer use. Clothes that do not fit, kitchen gadgets collecting dust, old electronics, extra furniture, and decorative items from another chapter of life all tend to pile up.

The internet can help with that, too.

You can look up donation centers, review what items they accept, find recycling information, and schedule pickups where available. You can also use online marketplaces or community groups to pass along items that still have life left in them.

Sometimes the hardest part of decluttering is not deciding what to keep. It is figuring out what to do with what you do not. A little online help can make that part much easier.

Give your digital life a little spring cleaning too

Not all clutter is sitting on a shelf.

Spring is also a great time to clean up the digital side of life. That might mean deleting old emails, organizing saved files, backing up family photos, unsubscribing from newsletters you never read, or finally sorting through all those open browser tabs.

A few small digital cleanup steps can make a big difference. Important documents are easier to find, devices may run a little smoother, and it can feel surprisingly good to clear out what you no longer need.

It is also a smart time to update passwords and review account security. It may not be the most glamorous spring project, but it may be one of the most useful.

Tidy up your home tech while you are at it

If you are already in cleanup mode, spring is also a good time to check in on the devices around your home.

That might mean restarting your router, updating smart TVs and tablets, checking settings on security cameras, or removing old devices that are no longer in use. Many households have more connected devices than they realize, and over time it is easy for old phones, unused streaming sticks, and mystery gadgets to linger in the background.

This kind of cleanup does not have to be technical or complicated. It can be as simple as making sure devices are updated, apps still work the way you want them to, and your home network is not carrying extra clutter of its own.

Use online tools to simplify everyday routines

Spring cleaning is not just about scrubbing and sorting. It is also about creating a fresh start.

Online calendars, grocery ordering, bill pay, reminders, shared family lists, and simple planning tools can all help reduce the kind of clutter that is not physical at all. Sometimes what needs cleaning up most is not a closet. It is the feeling that everything is scattered.

A few small online tools can help keep household tasks, appointments, shopping, and paperwork from piling up. That may not look like traditional spring cleaning, but it still counts.

A fresh season, a fresh start

Spring has a way of making people want to open the windows, clear the cobwebs, and reset a little. And while some of that still involves a mop and a donation box, some of it can also start with a search bar, a checklist, or a few clicks.

The internet may not clean the garage for you yet, but it can help you get organized, stay on track, and make seasonal projects feel a little more manageable.

Sometimes a fresh start is not about doing everything at once. It is simply about using the tools you already have to make life a little easier.

5G, 5 GHz, vs.5 Gbps Fiber: What’s the Difference?

5G, 5 GHz, vs.5 Gbps Fiber: What’s the Difference?

5G, 5 GHz, and 5 Gbps Fiber: Why These “5s” Are Not the Same

If you have ever looked at your phone, your router, or an internet ad and thought, Why does everything have a 5 in it? — you are not alone.

One of the most common tech mix-ups is the difference between 5G, 5 GHz, and fiber internet speed. They sound similar, but they are not the same thing at all.

Here is the plain-English version.

What is the difference between 5G, 5 GHz, and 5 Gbps?

While they all have a “5” in the name, they describe three very different things.

5G refers to cellular technology.
5 GHz refers to one of the Wi-Fi bands your router may use inside the home.
5 Gbps means 5 gigabits per second — a measure of how fast an internet connection can be.

(For context, 5 Gbps is five times faster than our Trailblazer 1 Gbps connection. That’s really fast, but hey…we offer 10 Gbps if you want ultimate speed!.)

So, to simplify it:

5G = cellular service
5 GHz / 2.4 GHz = Wi-Fi bands
5 Gbps fiber = a fiber internet speed

That is the big difference.

What is 5G?

5G is a type of cellular service. It is what your phone uses when it is not connected to Wi-Fi.

The “G” stands for generation, as in the fifth generation of wireless cellular technology.

If your phone shows bars and 5G, 4G, or LTE, you are using cellular service.

What is 5 GHz Wi-Fi?

5 GHz is a Wi-Fi band used inside your home. Many routers today use two Wi-Fi bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

These are simply different ways your devices connect wirelessly to your router.

If you see the Wi-Fi icon on your phone, tablet, or laptop, your device is connected to Wi-Fi. In most cases, you will not see whether it is using 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz unless you open your router or device settings.

That is where a lot of confusion starts. If your phone says 5G, that does not mean it is using 5 GHz Wi-Fi. Similar name, very different job.

What is the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz?

These are simply two different Wi-Fi bands your router may use inside the home.

In general, 2.4 GHz reaches farther, which can help in rooms that are more distant from the router. 5 GHz is often faster at close range, but it can have a harder time getting through walls, floors, and other obstacles.

That is why your connection may feel great in one room and weaker in another.

Quite often, the issue is not the internet service coming into the home. It is just the way Wi-Fi behaves once that connection is being shared around the house.

Is fiber the same as Wi-Fi?

No. This is another place where people often get tripped up.

Fiber is the internet connection coming to your home.
Wi-Fi is the signal your router uses to share that connection wirelessly with your devices.

They work together, but they are not the same thing.

Think of fiber as the main connection coming into your home. Once it gets there, Wi-Fi helps distribute that connection to your phone, TV, laptop, tablet, and other devices.

What does 5 Gbps fiber mean?

5 Gbps is not a type of Wi-Fi or cellular service. It is a speed measurement.

“Gbps” stands for gigabits per second, which tells you how fast an internet connection can move data.

So when you hear 5 Gbps fiber, that means a fiber internet connection capable of delivering speeds up to 5 gigabits per second.

That is very different from 5G cellular service and different from 5 GHz Wi-Fi.

How can you tell what connection you are using?

The easiest way is to look at your device.

If you see the Wi-Fi icon, your device is connected to Wi-Fi.
If you see bars and 5G, 4G, or LTE, your device is using cellular service.

What you usually will not see on the main screen is whether your device is connected to 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Wi-Fi. Those details are typically tucked into device or router settings.

You also will not usually see your home internet speed in your everyday settings. If you want to check speed, that is typically done through a speed test.

Why does this matter?

For most people, the goal is simple: they just want everything to work.

They want the TV to stream.
They want the video call to stay clear.
They want phones, tablets, smart TVs, cameras, and laptops to stay connected without frustration.

That is why these terms are worth understanding. Once you know which part of the system does what, it becomes much easier to understand what you are seeing on your screen and where a problem may actually be happening.

The quick version

If you see 5G on your phone, that means you are on cellular service.

If you are connected to Wi-Fi, your device is using your home network.

If your home has fiber internet, that is the connection feeding that network.

Same general topic. Different technologies. Different jobs.

Once you break it apart, it all starts to make a lot more sense. And frankly, with all the tech terms flying around these days, that feels like a small victory.
Collage showing a cell tower, digital data stream with screens, a Wi-Fi symbol, and a smartphone, with text: "5G ~ 5 Gbps Fiber ~ 5 GHz. What's the Difference?" on an orange-bordered background.

The Future of Work: How Fiber Internet Powers Remote Jobs in 2026

The Future of Work: How Fiber Internet Powers Remote Jobs in 2026

Remote work in 2026 has evolved from a workplace perk to a mainstream expectation. And while companies continue to debate return-to-office policies, one reality has become crystal clear: no matter where you work, reliable high-speed internet is the foundation of productivity.

For people working from home—full-time, part-time, or in flexible hybrid schedules—fiber internet stands far above other options, delivering weather-proof consistency, fast upload speeds, and dependable performance during peak hours. Here in Estes Park, Trailblazer Broadband’s fiber network has become a critical tool enabling residents, professionals, and local businesses to connect with opportunities across Colorado and beyond.


The Remote Work Landscape in 2026: More People Working From Home Than Ever

The remote workforce remains strong nationwide. As of late 2025, nearly 23% of U.S. workers telework at least some of the time, representing more than 36 million people who rely on home internet as their primary work infrastructure. Even more striking, 80% of employees whose jobs can be done remotely are in hybrid or fully remote roles.

Despite some companies calling workers back to the office, remote and hybrid models continue to dominate because they offer:

  • Better work-life balance

  • Lower commuting costs

  • Access to broader job markets

  • Higher productivity for many roles

This means millions of Americans now depend on fast, reliable home internet for video calls, cloud collaboration, teleconferencing, and digital tools. And any interruption—especially during peak winter months—can quickly derail a workday.


Why Fiber Internet Is the Best Internet for Working from Home

When it comes to online work, not all internet technologies are equal. Fiber-optic internet has become the gold standard for remote workers because it delivers:

Symmetrical upload and download speeds

Perfect for video meetings, file sharing, cloud computing, and virtual collaboration tools.

Rock-solid reliability during peak usage

Unlike cable, fiber doesn’t slow down when neighbors are online.

Weather-resistance in winter

Fiber lines don’t rely on electrical signals and are less affected by snow, ice, and storms—critical for mountain towns like Estes Park.

Future-proof capacity

Fiber can handle high-bandwidth applications, from AI tools to large data transfers.

Working from home in 2026 requires more than basic connectivity—it requires consistent, weather-proof, high-performance internet. And fiber is the only technology built for the long-term demands of remote work.


Estes Park: How Fiber Internet Opens the Door to “Down Valley” and Front Range Opportunities

Estes Park’s location is part of what makes it so special—beautiful, peaceful, and surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. But its remote geography once limited career opportunities for people who needed access to bigger “down valley” job markets across:

  • Fort Collins

  • Loveland

  • Longmont

  • Boulder

  • Denver

  • The entire Front Range corridor

Today, thanks to Trailblazer Broadband’s fiber network, Estes Park residents can hold jobs anywhere in Colorado—or anywhere in the country—while living exactly where they want.

Real benefits for remote workers in Estes Park:

  • Stable Zoom and Teams meetings even during busy evening and weekend peaks

  • Ultra-fast upload speeds for content creators, designers, consultants, and tech professionals

  • Dependability during winter storms and unpredictable mountain weather

  • Access to high-paying remote positions without driving down the canyon

This combination of flexibility + connectivity is helping Estes Park attract new talent, support families who want mountain living without sacrificing career growth, and bring income into the community.


Fiber Internet Helps Local Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses Thrive

Remote work isn’t just about employees. Entrepreneurs and small business owners are some of the biggest beneficiaries of reliable fiber internet, especially in communities like Estes Park where local businesses drive much of the economy.

Business owners—whether they run retail shops, restaurants, home-based businesses, professional services, or creative studios—almost always take work home. They rely on fast and reliable internet for:

  • Point-of-sale systems

  • Online ordering

  • Digital marketing

  • Inventory management

  • Cloud-based software

  • Remote work outside regular store hours

  • Customer service interactions

  • Virtual appointments or consulting

With fiber internet available at both business locations and homes, local entrepreneurs can seamlessly manage operations across their workday. It’s not just convenient—it’s essential for staying competitive.

Fast, dependable fiber helps small businesses:

  • Reduce downtime

  • Improve customer satisfaction

  • Operate efficiently during peak tourist seasons

  • Stay connected during winter months when weather challenges infrastructure

This creates a more resilient, economically thriving community.


The Future of Remote Work: Flexible, Connected, and Built on Fiber

As we move through 2026, one trend is undeniable: remote and hybrid work are here to stay. Companies offering flexibility continue to attract better talent and see improved retention. Workers prefer options that keep them connected without sacrificing home life. And communities like Estes Park are proving that geography is no longer a barrier to opportunity—as long as the internet is strong.

Fiber internet from Trailblazer provides exactly what the modern workforce needs:

  • Speed

  • Reliability

  • Weather-proof infrastructure

  • Community-owned value

  • Future-ready capacity

In today’s digital economy, your internet connection is your career connection. And for remote workers, entrepreneurs, families, and small businesses across Estes Park, fiber is the technology that keeps everything moving forward.

Paw-some Tech: Smart Home Gadgets Your Pets Will Love

Paw-some Tech: Smart Home Gadgets Your Pets Will Love

In recent articles we’ve talked about smart home technology for your home and for your garden, but there’s one frontier left to be explored. Trailblazer knows your family often includes a furrier member or two (or more!). And, your pets deserve just as much consideration when it comes to consistent connectivity offered by fiber-powered broadband.

Smart tech isn’t just for people anymore. It can also make life easier for the four-legged members of the family and their humans. New pet owner seeking tools to help you monitor your new charge? Balancing life with a senior cat who needs a little extra attention? Trying to stay connected with a hyper Fido while you’re away? The growing world of smart pet tech has all kinds of solutions for your needs, and Trailblazer has brought you a roundup of some of our favorite recommendations.

Of course, all of these features rely on one thing: a strong, steady home internet connection. With fiber from Trailblazer Broadband, you get the speed and reliability to stream, track, and automate your pet’s routine, without lag, buffering, or dropped signals.

Let’s dive into some of the best smart pet tech available today!

Pet Cameras: See What Your Pets Are Up To

Ever wonder what your dog or cat does all day while you’re out of the house? With a smart pet camera, you can check in anytime from your phone, see what they’re doing in real-time, and even say hello.

EBO Air Movable Pet Robot Camera

This robot camera is ideal for cats or small dogs and it moves around your home. It lets you check on your pets from different angles, record clips, and even interact with them via voice or motion. Better yet, it doesn’t require a subscription for basic features, and it’s small enough to scoot under furniture for those extra-quiet hiding spots.

TP-Link Tapo Indoor Pet Camera

Looking for a more stationary option? This indoor security cam offers crisp HD video, motion detection, two-way talk, and night vision, all for under $40. It’s great for checking in during the day and requires no subscription for core features. It also supports local storage with a micro-SD card, so you don’t need to pay for cloud service. This makes it a budget-friendly option that works well on a reliable WiFi network.

 

Smart Pet Feeders: Mealtimes Made Easy

Gone are the days of free-feeding or worrying about whether the pet sitter remembered breakfast. With a smart feeder, you can monitor, schedule, and even customize how and when your pet eats.

PETLIBRO Automatic Feeder with App Control

This feeder holds up to 5 pounds of food and lets you schedule measured feedings through an app. You can record a message to play at mealtime and ping your pet with a “meal call” alert. It also sends mobile notifications if the dispenser gets stuck, so you’re not left wondering if your pup ate dinner while you were out.

Want to keep an eye on your pet while they eat? This upgraded version includes a live camera feed, so you can see who’s at the bowl, when, and how often.

Two-Pet Smart Feeder with Dual Dispensers

Perfect for multi-pet households, this feeder dispenses food into two bowls and alerts you when it’s running low—no more empty bowls or guessing who ate what.

 

Smart Pet Doors: Secure Freedom

Letting your pet in and out throughout the day is easier with a smart door—and thanks to recent innovations, there are now great options for all home types.

Smart doors need dependable WiFi to respond instantly to triggers or app commands. With fiber internet and whole-home WiFi from Trailblazer Broadband, you won’t miss a beat (or a bark).

PetSafe SmartDoor Connected Pet Door

This traditional-looking smart pet door uses a collar-activated SmartKey and connects to your phone via the My PetSafe app. You can monitor in-and-out activity, lock or unlock remotely, and even set a schedule. Got someone stopping by? Lock the door remotely so your dog stays safely inside and out of the way.

SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect

This high-tech option scans your pet’s microchip to control access without using any extra collar-mounted tags. It’s great for keeping stray animals (or neighborhood raccoons) out of your home. It mounts in doors, walls, or even glass and connects to your smartphone for easy scheduling and tracking.

Wayzn Smart Sliding Door Opener

If you’ve got a sliding glass door, Wayzn converts it into a smart pet door with no drilling or cutting required. It opens and closes your door automatically when your pet approaches using the optional Wayzn Pet Tag or your smartphone. It’s a great option for large dogs or homes where pet doors just aren’t feasible.

 

GPS Collars: Keep Track of Your Best Friend

If your pet is an escape artist or loves to explore off-leash, GPS tracking collars offer peace of mind and real-time location updates.

Halo Collar 4

The Halo Collar is more than just a GPS tracker—it’s a virtual fence, training system, and activity monitor in one. Use the app to set safe zones, track your pet in real time, and provide gentle feedback through sound, vibration, or static (customizable to your pet’s training style). It’s waterproof, rechargeable, and comes in fun colors. A subscription plan is required and starts at $9.99 per month, scaling up based on selected features.

Tractive GPS Tracker for Dogs & Cats

A more affordable option that works with major cell networks (so long as you have great cellular coverage), Tractive offers accurate GPS tracking, fitness monitoring, and even bark alerts. With plans starting at around $5/month, it’s a budget-friendly way to always know where your furry friend is.

 

Tech That Has Your Back

Smart pet tech isn’t about replacing human care; it’s about enhancing it. These tools help you stay connected, informed, and proactive about your pet’s needs, even when life gets busy.

Of course, almost every device mentioned here depends on one key thing: a strong and stable internet connection. Whether it’s a camera stream, a consistent signal for a doggy door, or a smart feeder update, your pet tech can’t perform well on slow or spotty WiFi.

That’s why fiber internet from Trailblazer is the smart choice. Whether it’s monitoring mealtimes, tracking their outdoor adventures, or just checking in for a mid-day tail wag, smart pet gear and a Trailblazer Broadband internet connection make it easier than ever to keep your best friend happy, healthy, and safe.

 

Stay Connected and Protected: Why a UPS Battery Backup Matters More Than You Think

Stay Connected and Protected: Why a UPS Battery Backup Matters More Than You Think

Updated from a previous post from November 2024

As cooler weather approaches, we’re reminded that power outages happen when you least expect them—whether from a storm, a fallen tree, or even a car striking an electrical cabinet. While these outages are often temporary, they can be disruptive, inconvenient, and sometimes even dangerous if you rely on certain electronics.

Thanks to Trailblazer Broadband’s modern fiber network, customers can stay connected and receive outage updates—but only if they have the right backup plan in place. That’s where an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) comes in.

Think of a UPS as a “battery in a box”—a backup power source designed to keep your essential electronics running for anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours during a power outage. While many people think of UPS devices as only being for computers or internet equipment, their value goes far beyond that.


Why a UPS is Essential

  • Internet & Communication
    Your router and modem need electricity, even if the fiber lines don’t. A UPS keeps your WiFi running so you can stay online, receive outage updates, and keep in touch with loved ones or emergency services.

  • Medical Devices
    If you or someone in your household depends on equipment such as oxygen concentrators or CPAP machines, a dedicated Medical Device UPS System can provide uninterrupted power and peace of mind.

  • Safety & Security
    Many home security systems automatically switch to battery backup, but others may need a UPS to keep cameras, alarms, or smart locks powered.

  • Everyday Essentials
    Laptops, cell phones, and even cordless phones connected to VoIP lines can be kept online with the help of a UPS. Just be mindful—bigger devices like TVs can drain a UPS quickly.


A Real-World Example: Line Galloping Outage

You may recall that in late October 2024, Estes Park experienced a system-wide outage when strong winds and icy conditions caused line galloping on the Western Area Power Administration’s (WAPA) 115kV transmission lines. When the lines collided, protective relays shut them down to prevent damage. Crews from Estes Park Power & Communications, Platte River Power Authority, and WAPA worked quickly, restoring power just after noon.

Events like this remind us: power outages aren’t just “if,” they’re “when.” Having a UPS at home is one of the simplest ways to keep your household prepared.


Choosing the Right UPS

When shopping for a UPS, consider:

  • Which devices matter most? (Router, medical equipment, phone charger?)

  • How long do you need backup power? (Minutes vs. hours)

  • Does the device already have a built-in battery? (Some security and medical systems do.)

UPS models range from affordable units that keep your router running for an hour to more advanced systems that support multiple devices for longer stretches. Check out some popular options here. 


Staying Informed During an Outage

Trailblazer Broadband provides tools to keep you connected and informed:

  • Public outage maps on our website

  • Automated text notifications with updates

  • 24/7/365 Technical Support at 1-970-577-3770, Option 1

If you don’t have a UPS and lose internet during an outage, simply:

  • Check your router once power is restored.
  • Restart it if necessary.
  • Call our support team if you’re still offline.

Preparedness is Power

At Trailblazer, we work with Estes Park Power and Communications to keep the grid reliable—but we also know that fires, floods, storms, and accidents happen. A UPS gives you control, protecting your connectivity, security, and health even when the lights go out.⚡ Pro tip: Don’t wait for the next storm. Add a UPS to your emergency plan today and stay powered, safe, and connected.


For more resources, visit www.trailblazerbroadband.com or follow us on Facebook for the latest updates. Please note that Trailblazer Broadband and the Town of Estes Park do not promote or recommend any specific products or services.  All information and product references are for informational purposes only.