County approves lease of Capitol Hill tower to expand fixed wireless broadband in Walsenburg

Huerfano County commissioners voted April 14 to approve a three-year lease of space on the Capitol Hill Tower in Walsenburg to J Communications, allowing the company to mount antennas for fixed wireless broadband service.

Presenter Josh, representing J Communications, told the board the privately funded project would extend fixed wireless service to homes up to eight miles from the tower and that it can be deployed faster than fiber. "Our plan is to expand broadband access to Walsenburg via J Communications," Josh said, adding the project is not using grant dollars and that J Communications would fund construction and equipment.

Lola Bradley, identified as president of local economic development, said she has partnered with J Communications previously and that customers report high satisfaction with the service: "95% of the customers are very happy with the service," she told the board.

Terms and approvals: Staff noted the lease is on the county agenda under the tower/lease section: it is a three-year agreement with a monthly rent of $450 and the option to renew for additional terms up to five years; commissioners approved the lease by voice vote.

Why it matters: County leaders framed the lease as a pragmatic step to improve broadband access without public grant funding; commissioners said the privately funded fixed-wireless approach can deliver service more quickly to outlying residents than fiber rollouts.

Next steps: County staff will finalize the lease documents and arrange signatures.

Quote: Josh, the presenter, said the technology can reach remote homes quickly: "With a fixed wireless radio, I can deliver service to anybody tomorrow," he told the commissioners.