Fort Collins voters support broadband services

Fort Collins residents and businesses might be able to feed their need for Internet speed.

Voters on Tuesday overwhelmingly supported Ballot Issue 2B, which gave city officials permission to explore options for providing broadband and other telecommunication services.

Support of the measure was widespread, as 83 percent of the more than 27,000 ballots counted indicated a passing vote.

City staff will research different business models for delivering services through a city utility, including the possibilities for establishing partnerships with public and private entities.

The process is likely to take several months, said Ginny Sawyer, project and policy manager for the city.

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Staff members expect to have a work session with City Council in December to discuss next steps for the broadband project, including a feasibility study and public outreach. Another work session to report back to council and get direction is likely to happen in April, Sawyer said.

Passage of the measure does not lock the city into creating a broadband utility. If that becomes the preferred option, another election would be needed to amend the city charter and create the entity.

State law prohibits local governments from competing with private interests in providing telecommunication services, although a provision in the law allows cities and counties to override the restriction with voter approval.

Cities across the state, including Estes Park and Longmont, are pursuing plans to provide broadband services.

Passage of the city ballot issue was supported by the Fort Collins Citizens Broadband Committee, which raised $600 for its campaign, according to city records. As of Friday, the committee had spent $354, primarily on postcards and Internet services.

Kevin Duggan is a Coloradoan senior reporter covering local government. Follow him on Twitter, @coloradoan_dugg.