Dear Editor:
I am writing in response to Kelvin White’s question about getting fiber optics to his home. I know you’ll be writing another article soon on it, but I just want to share a few things with your readers.
First, if you see him around, please thank Blake Mobley, IT director for Rio Blanco County, and his team for spearheading this incredible project. It is a huge undertaking and involves an enormous amount of energy and devotion. His team is so appreciated!
Second, we are working very hard to get the fiber in the ground before it snows. I’m sure many of you have seen the spools of orange “stuff” and crews all over. Our goal is to have everything in the ground and up and running by December. However, as many of us who live around here know, weather can be a fickle thing. If delays happen, we’ll be sure to keep everyone updated. I know we’re all anxious to get it here as quickly as possible and right now, we are on schedule.
Third, county residents will be able to sign up for fiber services (Internet, phone and cable) through two different providers, Cimarron Telecommunications (970-778-5177) and Local Access Internet (970-462-2848). Both companies are currently taking pre-orders and are happy to answer any questions on their Facebook pages.
Finally, there are so many benefits to having fiber brought to us: it uses less energy, it’s more secure, it’s more efficient, it’s not bothered by bad weather and it’s much, much faster! And just as a side-note for those who don’t know, a home that has “fiber-to-the-home” services available to it, has a $5,000 increase in perceived value (according to Verizon.com) This is beneficial to the entire county!
Please continue to bear with us as the construction moves forward. I am happy to answer any questions or concerns anyone has about this project. Feel free to call me at 970-549-6921.
Naomi LeGere
Community Outreach Director
Colorado Fiber Community