Los Alamos Council reviews $35M broadband network design plan with Bonfire team

In a recent Los Alamos County Council meeting held on May 20, 2025, significant progress was reported on the design and engineering phase of a new network infrastructure project. The meeting highlighted the ongoing collaboration with Bonfire, the contractor responsible for the project, which aims to enhance internet connectivity across the county.

The council discussed the current status of the project, which is in Phase 1, focusing on high-level design (HLD) and low-level design (LLD). Construction is contingent upon the approval of the low-level design, expected to be presented to the council in March or April of 2026. The total budget for the project is estimated at $35 million, including a contingency of $5.6 million.

Key updates included the successful assessment of existing infrastructure in the burn area, where it was found that 90% of the previously unused conduit is still intact. This discovery is anticipated to yield significant cost savings by allowing the reuse of this conduit for fiber installation.

The design strategy involves establishing three central office hubs in Los Alamos and White Rock, which will serve as the backbone for the network. The council emphasized the importance of building resilience into the network design, ensuring that multiple lines will provide backup connectivity in case of failures.

Weekly project meetings have been held to maintain momentum, and Bonfire has already delivered several key documents, including a revised cost estimate and the high-level design. The council is currently reviewing these materials, which will pave the way for the next steps in the project.

As the council continues to navigate the complexities of this infrastructure initiative, the focus remains on enhancing connectivity for residents and businesses, ultimately aiming to improve the overall quality of life in Los Alamos County. The anticipated next steps include finalizing the low-level design and preparing for construction, which is expected to commence following council approval.