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Down Valley Fiber project canceled after SMPA denies pole attachments; county seeks other broadband options
Summary
San Miguel County staff said Clear Networks returned a roughly $2.3 million state grant after SMPA declined a power‑pole‑attachment agreement; county officials plan to pursue alternatives with Region 10 and other partners to restore broadband options for the Down Valley.
County staff reported that Clear Networks has canceled its Down Valley Fiber project and returned an approximate $2,300,000 grant the company had been awarded. County manager staff said SMPA denied the company’s pole‑attachment application because district poles were not rated to take added load in the near term.
"They returned their $2,300,000 grant that they had received from the state of Colorado," the county manager said, noting SMPA’s capital plan indicates pole replacement in a five‑to‑10 year window and that the decision prevents the previously proposed lower‑cost method of attaching fiber to power poles.
The county manager said he has contacted Region 10, which runs a broadband initiative, to look for alternatives and hoped to report progress at a future meeting. He also noted that some residents still rely on STARLINK service and that seasonal foliage causes intermittent connectivity for some homes.
Commissioners asked whether SMPA would accelerate capital work; staff said SMPA’s replacement schedule is set in its capital plan. County staff will continue to pursue grant and partnership options and will report back on alternatives and potential timelines for restored broadband service.
