Broadband connections

THE CSU SYSTEM is spearheading an effort to secure more broadband service for rural Colorado so community residents may connect to high-speed internet, which in many cases is acutely needed for online education, telemedicine, and economic development.

The work is part of a broader Rural Initiative that expands CSU System support for rural Colorado students and communities. The initiative launched in 2021 with an $8.58 million investment from the CSU System Board of Governors. Resulting programs, many led by CSU’s Office of Engagement and Extension, fall into four categories: accessible education, improved health, vibrant communities, and economic development based on food and agriculture.

The broadband project fits with related CSU Extension efforts to develop online education programs for rural Colorado students at all levels. Much of this content could come from CSU campuses that are well-versed in online education; discussions about potential topics already are underway.

With its broadband project, the CSU System is using a new, $300,000 planning grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to collaborate with community leaders and residents in identifying urgent broadband needs and applying for federal grants to fulfill those needs. The System has hired broadband consultant NEO Connect, based in Glenwood Springs, to assist communities with network mapping and planning.

The effort is significant because the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 has allocated $65 billion for nationwide broadband projects, with much of that funding intended for underserved rural communities. The CSU System planning project aims to help rural Colorado communities obtain a share of those federal funds for broadband installation.

“Rural Colorado communities need really high-quality broadband, and they need funding to build and deploy the infrastructure,” said Patrick Burns, leader of the System’s Broadband Initiative. “As a state institution of higher education, we are committed to helping rural Colorado with more and better support. We know a lot of rural communities have broadband needs, but they don’t always have expertise with network mapping or grant writing. This is an area where we can help.”

Moreover, CSU Extension offices serve counties across Colorado, which positions the offices as places for community discussions about broadband needs and about education content that could be provided online. Delivery of such content is well-aligned with community interests in workforce and economic development and is in keeping with the CSU System’s mission of providing access to world-class education and training, Burns said.

Photo at top: Lars Leber Photography