If you’ve ever called a big-name internet provider only to sit on hold, bounce between departments, or be told your rates just went up again, you’re not alone. A growing number of Fort Collins homeowners are done with the runaround. And many have found a better option—right in their own backyard.
It’s called a municipal fiber network, and if you live in Fort Collins, you already have access to one of the most advanced in the country: Fort Collins Connexion.
But what exactly is municipal fiber? And why is it winning over so many households?
What is a Municipal Fiber Network?
A municipal fiber network is a broadband internet service built, owned, and operated by a local government, usually a city or utility.
Unlike national ISPs, municipal providers aren’t motivated by quarterly profits or shareholders. They’re built to serve residents first with reliability, transparency, and speed.
Here’s how it works:
- The city builds and maintains the physical fiber infrastructure
- Residents can connect to this high-speed network, often at lower rates
- Revenue is reinvested into improving local service, not paying out shareholders
Why Do Cities Build Their Own Networks
When large ISPs decline to invest in full-fiber upgrades or charge high rates for marginal speed increases, communities face a growing connectivity gap.
Research shows municipal broadband can spur local economic growth, improve educational outcomes, and expand access to telehealth. Public ownership fills affordability and availability gaps, especially in areas where private investment falls short.
Why Did Fort Collins Build Its Own Internet Service
Nearly a decade ago, Fort Collins asked national providers when they’d deliver future-proof, reliable internet. The unanimous answer was “not soon enough.” Voters approved a bond to fund a citywide fiber build, treating broadband as a utility rather than a luxury.
From core infrastructure to the cables reaching each home, Connexion laid 100 percent of its network underground. That rare approach protects against wind, ice, and other weather-related outages, while keeping neighborhoods tidy and minimizing maintenance disruptions.
“Our goal isn’t just fast internet. It’s trust,” said Chad Crager, Executive Director of Fort Collins Connexion. Trust grows through:
- Live, local support available 24/7
- Clear billing with zero hidden fees or data caps
- Fast issue resolution by city-based technicians
Connexion also embedded digital equity into the model. Six percent of every monthly internet dollar funds affordable plans, outreach staff, and hardware support for income-qualified residents, earning the City a 2024 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer designation from NDIA.
What Benefits Do Fort Collins Residents Notice At Home?
With more than 500 local reviews, Fort Collins residents consistently highlight Connexion’s reliable service, knowledgeable team, and impressive internet speeds.
Excellent company! Service has been good. The installer was great, the billing department lady was great. I’m very happy with all aspects of Connexion service and support.
Absolutely stellar ISP/fiber network. Puts it’s competitors to absolute shame in every single category. Phone operators are knowledgeable, technicians know exactly what they’re doing, the infrastructure is solid, pricing is far more reasonable than anything else out there, and every “issue” I’ve experienced was remedied both quickly and effectively. Sometimes appointments can be scheduled far out, but nothing any worse than other options you can find in town. Would recommend this service over literally anything. This is ISP done right.
We switched from Comcast cable to Connexion and there’s simply no comparison: despite similar advertised upload/download speeds, Connexion is objectively faster and lower-latency than the Comcast connection while being similarly-priced. The static IP option is just $20/month more, whereas we would have to shell out for the Comcast business plan. Upload speeds on Connexion are like, 5x what they are on Comcast.
How Does Municipal Fiber Stack Up Against Private ISPs?
When you compare a community-focused network to national carriers, two themes emerge: mission and transparency.
Municipal Fiber
- Built and operated for public benefit
- Underground infrastructure with fewer weather outages
- Symmetrical speeds and low latency
- Transparent pricing & 24/7 local support
- Proven digital equity contributions
Large Private ISPs
- National footprint with promotional bundles
- Introductory rates that often jump after one year
- Asymmetrical speeds that can hamper uploads
- Customer service and support centers located out of state
- Data caps or hidden fees still surface despite label rules
Ready to Experience the Difference?
Fort Collins Connexion offers symmetrical speeds up to 10 Gbps, built specifically for the demands of modern gaming, work, and smart homes. See how pricing stacks up without hidden fees or data caps, and sign up today.
Compare our residential internet plans today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between internet and Wi-Fi?
The internet is a global network that delivers online content and services to your home. Wi-Fi is how that connection is shared wirelessly within your home — it’s the signal your devices use to access the internet. In short, Connexion provides the internet connection, and your Wi-Fi router distributes that connection throughout your home.
Will a city-owned network keep prices fair over time?
Yes. Public governance and regular rate reviews, combined with FCC broadband labels, ensure accountability and side-by-side comparisons with private ISPs.
Does municipal broadband discourage private investment?
Studies show that national ISPs often improve their speeds, pricing, and service when competition from city networks enters the market. Municipal broadband is meant to close coverage gaps, not replace private providers.
How fast is fast enough for a modern Fort Collins home?
Most active households thrive on at least 1 Gbps download and upload. That covers 4K streaming, video conferencing, large file transfers, and smart-home devices. Check out our residential internet packages for speed rates and take an internet speed test to ensure you’re getting the download and upload speeds promised by your internet service provider.