The educational television series “Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid” will air a five-minute episode about Longmont’s NextLight internet service in May.  

The episode discusses the importance of high-speed internet and Longmont’s work to create and extend its NextLight gigabit fiber-optic service to the community, narrowing the “digital divide” for internet access. The provider has repeatedly ranked among the fastest in the nation while also offering discounted or free service to income-qualified customers.  

“NextLight’s vision is a fully-connected Longmont where everyone has access to a world of possibilities,” NextLight executive director Valerie Dodd told Viewpoint in the episode. Others quoted on-camera include City Manager Harold Dominguez, St. Vrain Valley School District superintendent Don Haddad and a Longmont family that has benefitted from NextLight’s discounted service.  

 The episode will air multiple times throughout Colorado and in Washington, D.C., on networks including CNN, CNN Headline News, MSNBC, CNBC, Fox News, Fox Business Network, TLC, Travel and Discovery from May 16 through May 31, during prime and peak times (6 p.m. through 11:45 p.m.). It will also be provided to public television stations across the country beginning May 23 to be aired at their discretion over the next year.  

“Our community came together to create something special, and we’re excited to show Colorado and the nation what that’s meant for Longmont,” Dodd said.  “Even before the pandemic, our residents knew what so much of the country has learned: that high-speed internet is not just a luxury but a necessity that everyone should have the opportunity to receive.”  

NextLight is a partner in the federal Affordable Connectivity Program, offering discounts of up to $50/month for qualified customers. Visit the myNextlight.com website for more details and an application link.

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 the website at www.mynextlight.com.