Colorado’s push to expand high-speed internet in rural areas just cleared a major hurdle

State broadband officials announced recently that the federal government has approved Colorado’s revised Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment plan — a $420.6 million package aimed at getting reliable internet to unserved and underserved homes.

That amount is roughly half of what Colorado was originally awarded, but the change stems from new federal rules adopted in June under the Trump administration. Those rules prevent states from prioritizing fiber-optic networks over wireless or satellite options and require states to choose the lowest-cost service that still meets minimum speed standards.

Colorado had previously been awarded $826 million, but with the rule changes, fewer homes were considered underserved — and cheaper technologies became eligible. That opened the door for satellite providers including Amazon’s Project Kuiper and Starlink.

Amazon ultimately was selected to serve 44 percent of eligible households, offering satellite capacity at around $600 per location, while Starlink’s cost is about $1,700. In comparison, fiber projects will receive up to $13,000 per location, and even more on tribal lands.

Despite the funding reduction, broadband officials say the approval is still a major win, especially for remote areas long lacking fast, dependable internet. The state estimates 96,000 Coloradans will benefit once the projects are complete.

Federal officials must still complete a few more reviews, but that process is expected to wrap up within two months. After that, Colorado will finalize agreements with 25 internet providers, and construction will begin.

All projects must be finished within four years, bringing the state significantly closer to universal high-speed access.