Wade Troxell

Clean water. Reliable electricity. Great streets. We are fortunate to have such a high quality infrastructure that we rely on every day.

In today’s world many consider the internet an emerging crucial infrastructure like other city-provided utilities. While Fort Collins is a leader in many ways, our internet service is substandard and doesn’t match the quality of our infrastructure services. Internet speed and connectivity are growing in importance for business and innovation, as well as managing many of our everyday tasks and activities.

All of our internet‐connected, data­‐hungry gadgets send a clear message: We are going to need faster and better broadband networks. The culprit of slow and limited internet is outdated and aging infrastructure (copper coaxial cable). To remedy this we need to build a broadband fiber (glass) network throughout the entire community.

Such a network has a much longer life than copper cable, increases capacity and boosts speed by more than 1000 times. Copper cable is at the end of its useful physical capability. No provider from the private sector is providing the access to symmetric gigabit speeds and capacity for the entire community. Nor will they.

Incumbent service providers have told the city that their future is in content, not physical infrastructure. Broadband infrastructure is necessary to drive innovation and economic strength of our wonderful university city. Without it, we risk watching our intellectual talent, jobs and community investment going elsewhere.

On Nov. 7, voters have the opportunity to say “yes” toward the city creating a telecommunications utility and installing a broadband network. Voter approval of the proposed amendment will:

Allow, but not require, the city to create a telecommunications utility

Allow the city to examine the best ways to provide at least 1 symmetric gigabit-per-second speed and better, more reliable connectivity.

Enable the city to install broadband fiber for a high-speed, citywide digital network.

Colorado State University President Tony Frank stated in a recent letter, “Gigabit speeds are for the future. Gigabit speeds will help us recruit and retain the best faculty and staff, giving us an edge in a highly competitive marketplace.”

Recent surveys indicate our citizens are eager for improved internet service. The city is responding and with voter approval can move toward connecting the entire community with reliable, high-­speed internet.

The City has a solid track record of providing great infrastructure and vital services. Telecommunications and broadband will be no different.

Please vote yes on Fort Collins ballot measure 2B and set the stage for a citywide broadband network. It is essential for our future.

Wade Troxell is mayor of Fort Collins.