Municipal broadband doesn’t just happen. It takes public trust, political will, infrastructure expertise, and above all, a clear reason to do it better than the national service providers.
In this episode of the This is Connected Nation podcast, our Executive Director Chad Crager shares what it took to bring Fort Collins Connexion from concept to one of the top-rated internet providers in the U.S.. Below, we’ve expanded on some of the key topics from the conversation and what they mean for our residents, policymakers, and peers watching across the country.
Why We Took Broadband Into Our Own Hands
More than a decade ago, Fort Collins asked national providers when they’d invest in faster, more reliable internet here. The answer: they wouldn’t.
So we made a decision. If no one else would do it, we’d build it ourselves.
Our community overwhelmingly voted to approve the bond that made Fort Collins Connexion possible. And from the start, we’ve treated internet access like a utility, not a luxury.
This wasn’t about chasing competition. It was about creating a network designed around our community’s needs, not shareholder profit.
A Fully Underground, Citywide Fiber Network
Most ISPs take the path of least resistance. We didn’t.
We built 100% of our fiber network underground, from core infrastructure to the lines that reach your home. That’s rare, and it took years of careful construction, neighborhood coordination, and many unexpected encounters with sprinkler systems.
Why did we do it?
Because underground networks:
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Perform better in extreme weather
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Avoid common service disruptions from storms
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Look cleaner and last longer
We believe infrastructure should work quietly in the background, not interrupt your daily life.
Building a Team That’s Customer-Obsessed
Chad comes from an engineering background, not telecommunications. But that’s part of why our approach has worked.
Engineering is about solving problems. And in broadband, the biggest problem isn’t speed. It’s service.
From day one, we’ve been obsessed with the customer experience:
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Live, local support 24/7
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Clear communication
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Fast issue resolution
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Zero hidden fees or data caps
This mindset is woven into everything we do. It’s why our churn rate is low. And it’s why we’ve been recognized by CNET and PCMag as one of the best ISPs in the country.
“Our goal isn’t just fast internet. It’s trust.”
Digital Inclusion Isn’t an Afterthought. It’s a Line Item.
We didn’t wait for federal grants to prioritize digital equity. We built it into our model.
Each month, 6% of our internet revenue is reserved for digital inclusion. That funding helps us:
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Offer $20/month gigabit service to income-qualified residents
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Support bilingual, commission-based outreach staff
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Place digital navigators in mobile home parks and schools
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Provide hardware support and training through local partnerships
Everyone in Fort Collins deserves access to modern internet. We’ve made sure affordability isn’t a barrier.
Regional Collaboration and a Model Others Can Follow
Northern Colorado is home to something unique: four cities with municipal broadband, all connected by shared history and forward-thinking infrastructure.
We work closely with Longmont, Loveland, and Estes Park to:
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Share backhaul and engineering resources
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Support one another’s systems
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Explore expansion and redundancy together
That spirit of collaboration strengthens our networks and offers a replicable model for other regions nationwide.
We’re also aligned with Larimer County on expanding fiber into unserved and underserved rural areas, with support for programs like BEAD. Our funding model allows revenue-sharing, not just construction, and that builds real sustainability.
The Bigger Picture: Economic Development and Future-Proofing
Reliable broadband fuels more than streaming and email. It drives the economy.
We’re seeing the impact firsthand. Connexion has become the default internet provider for many new builds in Fort Collins. We’re supporting growth in high-tech sectors, including quantum research that depends on real-time precision across fiber lines.
From remote workers to global innovators, we’re building the infrastructure they rely on to stay connected and competitive.
What’s Next for Connexion?
We’ve connected over 24,000 customers in Fort Collins, and we’re just getting started.
Here’s what we’re focused on next:
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Expanding into growth areas outside city limits
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Maintaining and upgrading our core infrastructure
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Paying off our original buildout bond
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Continuing to lead in digital inclusion and public engagement
- Expanding services to more businesses, students, and residents of Fort Collins
We’re not chasing growth for growth’s sake. We’re building for impact and sustainability.
Listen to the Episode
If you haven’t already, scroll back to the top and listen to the full interview with our Executive Director Chad Crager on the Connected Nation podcast.
It’s not just about Fort Collins, it’s about what’s possible when communities take the lead.