High Country Fiber and Broadband Planning

The High Country fiber and broadband network within central Colorado has a long history of being underserved by incumbent telecommunication firms. The development of Project Thor, a new state-funded, regional backhaul network, drove a significant increase in local activity as broadband options became more available.

HR Green has worked individually and collectively across the area to help communities chart their unique paths forward. Our High Country fiber work has included:

• Eagle County, CO – HR Green helped evaluate the current levels of service of residents living and working in unincorporated Eagle County and presented its findings to the County Commissioners.
• Towns of Eagle & Gypsum – HR Green provided detailed design and detailed financial analysis on the feasibility of connecting anchor institutions to the proposed regional middle-mile network (Project Thor).
• Holy Cross Electric Cooperative – HR Green helped Holy Cross develop its strategy for smart grid and fiber deployment, and was subsequently engaged to design and manage the construction of more than 120 miles of regional backhaul fiber. The coop’s project has expanded to include connectivity work with regional anchor institutions and other public sector partners.
• Town of Avon, CO – HR Green is currently working with the Town to evaluate the feasibility of joining Project Thor and delivering backhaul and connectivity services to key anchor institutions in the community, with the potential to provide broader service to un- and under-served areas of the town.
• Snowmass Village – HR Green has provided extensive services related to the creation of the 5G policy and programs and is developing the final design for a physically diverse core fiber network inside the Village which will improve connectivity.
• Town of Aspen – HR Green developed an innovative 5G management program, including deep public outreach and provider engagement to preserve the cultural singularity of the community while providing improved access to the town’s residents and businesses.

While seemingly unrelated, HR Green’s relationships with players at all levels have created opportunities for significant deployment of shared resources, including design and fiber optic network construction costs. By working cooperatively across the region, HR Green has helped speed the deployment of improved connectivity at significant savings to each of its regional partners.

“We are highly satisfied with HR Green and have recommended them to other entities. They have been highly responsive, engaged, and proactive in helping us with our projects. The communication has been great. The project costs matched the proposal estimates.”

– Bob Farmer I Vice-President, Information Technology, Holy Cross Energy