The Colorado Broadband Office (CBO) will deploy a mix of fiber, wireless, and low-Earth orbit (LEO) technologies to reach unserved and underserved households. According to the state’s Final Proposal, Colorado intends to fund 92 projects across 25 providers, backed by nearly $638 million in total project costs—including $166.1 million in applicant match and $51 million in state match contributions.
Governor Jared Polis said the investment will help ensure residents have “affordable, reliable high-speed internet required to thrive.” Brandy Reitter, CBO’s Executive Director, called the approval “a monumental win for rural Coloradans.”
Colorado’s BEAD approach—described in the Final Proposal as a technology-neutral, competitive “Benefit of the Bargain” process—reduced total subsidy needs by about $400 million by lowering per-location costs, increasing provider match, and removing locations already served or covered through enforceable commitments. The state held the typical BEAD subsidy per location to below $12,980, with only one project exceeding that benchmark.
The approved plan also includes performance monitoring for LEO networks and strict oversight requirements, including reimbursable funding, semiannual reporting, and clawback provisions. Subgrantees will have four years to complete construction, with all projects supporting Colorado’s goal to connect 99% of residents to high-speed internet.
Learn more about the approved plan here.
