Colorado Kicks Off Plans for Reliable, High-Speed Middle-Mile Internet

DENVER, Jan. 28, 2026 - The Colorado Broadband Office (CBO) is launching a strategy to enhance the state's middle-mile broadband network, the core infrastructure that not only improves daily cellular, wireless and redundant fiber connectivity for Coloradans, but also supports advanced technologies such as quantum computing and other emerging and transformative technologies. Over the next year, the CBO will lead the effort to establish a clear, state-led direction for middle-mile connectivity.

"Middle-mile infrastructure connects homes and businesses to the state's internet backbone, as highway systems connect to local roads," said Brandy Reitter, CBO Executive Director. "Lacking redundant foundational middle-mile infrastructure is often why communities experience poor cell service, unreliable Wi-Fi, and the reason schools, businesses, and community anchor institutions like public safety facilities and libraries cannot access the internet."

The strategy will be completed by the end of 2026 and will focus on three key pillars:

1. A gap assessment of existing middle-mile infrastructure to identify gaps and guide future broadband investment across Colorado.
2. A feasibility assessment to determine appropriate strategies for the state to address middle-mile connectivity challenges; and
3. An implementation framework, to create a structure for future policy, governance, and funding mechanisms to support middle-mile deployment.

The work will be guided by a two-phase stakeholder engagement process. Initially, a steering committee comprising members from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the Southern Ute Indian Tribe (SUIT), the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments (NWCCOG), and the Region 10 and Region 9 Economic Development Districts will provide initial oversight and direction.

Following this, the CBO will engage a larger, more comprehensive stakeholder group, open to the public, to gather diverse perspectives and inform the detailed plans for developing the strategic plan and roadmap.