NextLight roared in the annual PC Magazine speed test rankings for 2022, with the community-owned internet service provider (ISP) placing no. 2 in the nation.

This marks the fifth straight year that NextLight has ranked among the country’s four fastest ISPs, including a first-place ranking in 2018. The fiber-optic provider doubled its score from last year, finishing behind only California-based Sonic.

“Local ISPs … really shine as you can see,” PC Magazine wrote. “If Sonic’s boost this year is a blip, NextLight’s consistency could put it on top in 2023.”

This year’s rankings also hit a Rocky Mountain high with three of the five fastest ISPs being wholly or mostly Colorado-focused. In addition to NextLight’s second-place finish, the top contenders included Fort Collins Connexion at no. 4 and Allo Communications at no. 5. NextLight also finished first in the seven-state Northwest region with Connexion in second place.

PC Magazine bases its scores on a combination of upload and download speeds. A provider must log at least 100 speed tests with the magazine to qualify.

“We truly appreciate all the NextLight customers whose continuing support has helped NextLight, and Longmont, flourish and grow,” said Valerie Dodd, NextLight’s executive director. “We’re thrilled to once more have the country recognize NextLight and our consistent commitment to providing the highest-quality internet service to the residents and businesses of our community.”

Earlier this year, NextLight received other national recognition as the subject of a mini-documentary by “Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid,” which focused on narrowing the digital divide by providing free and reduced high-speed internet efforts to customers who might not otherwise be able to afford it. Income-qualified residential customers have the opportunity to receive discounted service that provides a 100 megabit NextLight connection for free or gigabit service for $19.95/month.