Colorado Broadband Office Announces $27.4 Million Broadband Program to Fill Connectivity and Adoption Gaps

DENVER, April 22, 2026 - The Colorado Broadband Office (CBO), the state office responsible for connecting Coloradans to high-speed internet, is launching the Advance State & Local Dollars (Advance-Local) grant program, a state-funded initiative that will connect the homes, businesses and communities left behind by larger federal broadband programs.

Using approximately $27.4 million from the state High Cost Support Mechanism Program, the Advance-Local program will primarily focus on middle-mile infrastructure, last-mile projects and digital access. The disbursement is structured in two tiers:

• Tier I: (up to 60% of funds) will fund critical middle-mile infrastructure to strengthen the state's digital foundation.
• Tier II: (up to 40% of funds) will fund last-mile projects, short-term construction projects and non-deployment (digital access) initiatives.

"The federal government has allocated more money in the last five years to connecting communities across America to high-speed broadband than ever before," said CBO Executive Director Brandy Reitter. "While Colorado benefited from historic federal investments that have improved the digital divide, some communities require additional funding to close the technology gap. We have a plan to address these areas so no one is left behind."

The first grant cycle, focusing on middle-mile projects, is scheduled to open its application window on April 30, 2026. The second grant cycle, focusing on last-mile, short-term construction projects and digital access, is scheduled to open this summer.

An advisory group composed of seven stakeholders, including service providers, industry associations, local governments and other state agencies, will review recommended grant awards and provide expert guidance on program transparency and project impact. Awards from the first grant cycle are expected to be announced later this fall.

For more information, please visit the Advance-Local webpage.