Boulder is entering the final planning stages for its municipal broadband network, with citywide construction expected to begin next year and continue through 2030. The goal is to provide “near ubiquitous” fiber-internet access, with the bulk of the work slated for 2026 through 2029.
The city has been pursuing municipal fiber since 2015. After completing a feasibility study in 2016, city council approved construction of a 55-mile “dark fiber” backbone in 2018 along major transportation corridors, a $20 million project known as Phase 1.
Initial construction began in Chautauqua in September as part of broader undergrounding and utility upgrades. Fiber installation there is expected to finish in 2026, the same year Boulder anticipates beginning citywide installation, according to city Communications Manager Shannon Aulabaugh.
Subsequent years will focus on “last mile” connections that link distribution lines directly to homes and businesses. Around 80% of the buildout is expected to be complete by 2027, and 97% by 2029, Community Broadband Manager Maria Rotunda told the Water Resources Advisory Board in October. Residents should expect visible activity, including locating and potholing crews, boring and conduit installation.
The full buildout will cover 300 miles of fiber, including Boulder’s five mobile home communities and some foothills properties. Construction will happen in phases, and services will become available neighborhood by neighborhood as areas are completed.
Boulder has signed a 20-year lease with telecommunications provider ALLO, which will deliver service and open a storefront in the Village Shopping Center. Discounts will be available for income-qualified residents, college students will receive free upgrades, and 25 selected nonprofits will receive free service.
Currently, most Boulder addresses have access to only one wired provider, limiting consumer and business choices.
“This is all about driving healthy competition,” Utilities Deputy Director of Operations Chris Douville told the Water Resources Advisory Board in October. The city already manages other uses of its fiber infrastructure, including the Boulder Research and Administrative Network (BRAN), which connects the city, CU Boulder, NCAR and the Department of Commerce labs. BVSD also leases conduit space, with schools and several city departments, including Utilities, Parks and Recreation and Fire-Rescue, using the network.
Typical Boulder, behind the curve on really important items. How many years has Longmont had fiber???
Boulder plans and plans and plans. By the time they get this done wireless will have supplanted fiber. Or they could have just used the money spent to subsidize Xfinity service for the poor.
In 2015 fiber probably made sense. Now with wireless G5 available and G6 on the way this, not so much.
Are there any maps regarding the Allo construction phases? Extremely eager to ditch Comcast and hoping to see my neighborhood in Phase 1 🙂