A new state law will allow Colorado communities to start a local broadband service without having to go to the voters first, repealing a limit that has been in place since 2005.

The new law, Senate Bill 23-183, was signed into law this week by Gov. Polis. Prior to that, a 2005 state law had restricted local governments from creating a municipal network – either on their own or as part of a public-private partnership – unless voters passed a local ballot issue first. Approximately 160 Colorado cities, counties and towns ultimately voted to repeal those restrictions, which the new law now removes statewide.

In Longmont, voters repealed the state limits in 2011. That led to the 2014 launch of NextLight, the state’s first municipally-owned internet service, which has been repeatedly recognized as one of the fastest internet providers in the nation.

“We’re excited to see the Legislature take this long-overdue step, freeing Colorado’s communities to make the broadband choices that will serve the needs of their homes and residents,” said Valerie Dodd, NextLight’s executive director. “Longmont has repeatedly shown its support for the local, high-quality internet solutions that NextLight provides, and we look forward to seeing the increased opportunities that will now be open to all Coloradans.”

Colorado currently has a goal of connecting 99% of the state’s households to high-speed internet by 2027.

“It’s been heartening to see Colorado and the nation realize what Longmont has known for so long – that high-quality broadband is an essential part of how we work, learn and live,” Dodd said. “Thank you to the Legislature and Gov. Polis for taking this step and upholding the power of local solutions.”

About NextLight
NextLight is Longmont’s community-owned fiber-optic internet service, empowering a fully-connected Longmont with the resources for life.  NextLight has made Longmont the first “gigabit city” in Colorado and been nationally recognized for its speed, affordability and quality.  To learn more, visit www.mynextlight.com.