Broadband in the City of Golden

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Consultation has concluded

Update 6/30/2024

Google Fiber will be providing fast access to Golden starting in early- to mid-2025. Check out the progress Google is making towards bringing GFiber to Golden!

Update 5/24/2023

Broadband Partners for Residential and Business Service - Golden is actively engaged with Broadband companies seeking to enter the Golden market. We anticipate that agreements will be in place this year for new companies to start building in Golden.

Internal Fiber - The projects with MCI/WYCO/Jeffco Schools are drawing to a close. The next steps for internal City connectivity will be to build a path from north Ford street to our shops location and also connect all of this new fiber to city hall through conduit that was laid earlier this year.

Update 8/10/2022

Jeffco Schools Cooperative Build - This effort is back on track now that the Coors construction is complete along Ford. Completion anticipated this year following the long delay.

Broadband Partner - Earlier this year Golden published a RFI looking for potential broadband partners. Several potential partners were identified as a result of the effort. After meeting with Council specific direction and goals were set and now discussions are ongoing with the responding companies to find the right partner for Golden. Updates to come as these discussions develop.

Update 3/3/2021

Golden is currently working with Jeffco county schools to build out the purple section of the Golden master fiber ring on this map.

This will provide a fiber path from the north side of town to the south. This is under construction now and is projected to be complete in the first half of 2021.

We are currently soliciting costs on building the lateral from City hall to Ford and 10th that will connect the existing fiber line running along 10th to the “Purple Line”. Also we are pricing a lateral at the south end of the “Purple Line” to connect to the golf/splash complex. This will bring immediate value to the city as a result of the work and investment the City is making. At the top end of the purple line we are exploring costs for a lateral to connect our shops facilities.

The next significant future item will be identifying a method or partner to build the green section on this image. That is the more difficult piece considering that portions might require CDOT RoW access.

In summation, the City has a clear and active path forward for construction of the purple line and the resulting connectivity to the city network and golf/splash facilities. The future is less clear for the green segment as we don’t have an identified partner and will have to budget for this build in the 23/24 budget to go it alone.

Background

Broadband Internet has become one of the most essential tools to support economic and social vitality in our communities. Since the early 2000s, this evolution has created a need for faster and more reliable broadband. Fiber-optic broadband, otherwise known as “fiber to the home,” or “FTTH” is the gold standard for broadband Internet today, providing the fastest and most reliable Internet in the US. Communities in which residents and businesses have affordable access to fiber exhibit positive economic and social impacts, with higher property values and increased business activity. In some of these communities, the local municipality has taken an active role in expanding access to fiber-based broadband.

City of Golden is exploring a number of strategies to ensure our citizens, businesses and community anchors have access to the Internet services they need at prices they can afford. Golden voters supported an important referendum in 2016 to overturn Colorado Senate Bill 05-152, the bill that prohibits local government from supporting either directly or indirectly the provision of Internet services to its community.

This override authorizes the City to investigate alternatives for enhancing Internet services in Golden. It doesn’t mean that the City will provide your Internet services, rather, it means that the City will evaluate a number of different strategies to ensure our community has the services it needs to thrive in the digital economy. Our evaluation will be based on the City’s 9 broadband objectives:

  1. Inclusivity - To provide the opportunity for high speed broadband service to all residents, businesses, schools, local government, non-profit organizations, healthcare service providers, and multi-tenant properties in our service area.
  2. High Speed – Requires up to 1 Gigabit symmetrical broadband connection for residential and up to 10 Gigabit symmetrical broadband connection for non-residential, with higher speeds for both service types available in the next five to seven years.
  3. Reliability – The service needs to be able to be depended upon as it will have many uses requiring high availability. Some examples are businesses – both storefront and home, residents, students, and healthcare professionals.
  4. Reasonable cost – The monthly charges for such service should be reasonable and affordable.
  5. Future Proofed – The proposed solutions should be viable for the next 10 years with a preference for solutions that can be utilized for longer time frames as a result of periodic upgrades.
  6. Economic Growth - Encourage economic development, business retention, new business start-ups, and entrepreneurs to locate and remain in Golden.
  7. Investment - Encourage the private sector to invest in new communications networks in Golden and to offer enhanced services for business development and job creation.
  8. Competition - Facilitate private sector competition and consumer choice by considering the availability of City assets, possibly in partnership with the private sector.
  9. Quality of Life - Enhance the quality of life in the community by facilitating Internet access in and around public places.

Update 6/30/2024

Google Fiber will be providing fast access to Golden starting in early- to mid-2025. Check out the progress Google is making towards bringing GFiber to Golden!

Update 5/24/2023

Broadband Partners for Residential and Business Service - Golden is actively engaged with Broadband companies seeking to enter the Golden market. We anticipate that agreements will be in place this year for new companies to start building in Golden.

Internal Fiber - The projects with MCI/WYCO/Jeffco Schools are drawing to a close. The next steps for internal City connectivity will be to build a path from north Ford street to our shops location and also connect all of this new fiber to city hall through conduit that was laid earlier this year.

Update 8/10/2022

Jeffco Schools Cooperative Build - This effort is back on track now that the Coors construction is complete along Ford. Completion anticipated this year following the long delay.

Broadband Partner - Earlier this year Golden published a RFI looking for potential broadband partners. Several potential partners were identified as a result of the effort. After meeting with Council specific direction and goals were set and now discussions are ongoing with the responding companies to find the right partner for Golden. Updates to come as these discussions develop.

Update 3/3/2021

Golden is currently working with Jeffco county schools to build out the purple section of the Golden master fiber ring on this map.

This will provide a fiber path from the north side of town to the south. This is under construction now and is projected to be complete in the first half of 2021.

We are currently soliciting costs on building the lateral from City hall to Ford and 10th that will connect the existing fiber line running along 10th to the “Purple Line”. Also we are pricing a lateral at the south end of the “Purple Line” to connect to the golf/splash complex. This will bring immediate value to the city as a result of the work and investment the City is making. At the top end of the purple line we are exploring costs for a lateral to connect our shops facilities.

The next significant future item will be identifying a method or partner to build the green section on this image. That is the more difficult piece considering that portions might require CDOT RoW access.

In summation, the City has a clear and active path forward for construction of the purple line and the resulting connectivity to the city network and golf/splash facilities. The future is less clear for the green segment as we don’t have an identified partner and will have to budget for this build in the 23/24 budget to go it alone.

Background

Broadband Internet has become one of the most essential tools to support economic and social vitality in our communities. Since the early 2000s, this evolution has created a need for faster and more reliable broadband. Fiber-optic broadband, otherwise known as “fiber to the home,” or “FTTH” is the gold standard for broadband Internet today, providing the fastest and most reliable Internet in the US. Communities in which residents and businesses have affordable access to fiber exhibit positive economic and social impacts, with higher property values and increased business activity. In some of these communities, the local municipality has taken an active role in expanding access to fiber-based broadband.

City of Golden is exploring a number of strategies to ensure our citizens, businesses and community anchors have access to the Internet services they need at prices they can afford. Golden voters supported an important referendum in 2016 to overturn Colorado Senate Bill 05-152, the bill that prohibits local government from supporting either directly or indirectly the provision of Internet services to its community.

This override authorizes the City to investigate alternatives for enhancing Internet services in Golden. It doesn’t mean that the City will provide your Internet services, rather, it means that the City will evaluate a number of different strategies to ensure our community has the services it needs to thrive in the digital economy. Our evaluation will be based on the City’s 9 broadband objectives:

  1. Inclusivity - To provide the opportunity for high speed broadband service to all residents, businesses, schools, local government, non-profit organizations, healthcare service providers, and multi-tenant properties in our service area.
  2. High Speed – Requires up to 1 Gigabit symmetrical broadband connection for residential and up to 10 Gigabit symmetrical broadband connection for non-residential, with higher speeds for both service types available in the next five to seven years.
  3. Reliability – The service needs to be able to be depended upon as it will have many uses requiring high availability. Some examples are businesses – both storefront and home, residents, students, and healthcare professionals.
  4. Reasonable cost – The monthly charges for such service should be reasonable and affordable.
  5. Future Proofed – The proposed solutions should be viable for the next 10 years with a preference for solutions that can be utilized for longer time frames as a result of periodic upgrades.
  6. Economic Growth - Encourage economic development, business retention, new business start-ups, and entrepreneurs to locate and remain in Golden.
  7. Investment - Encourage the private sector to invest in new communications networks in Golden and to offer enhanced services for business development and job creation.
  8. Competition - Facilitate private sector competition and consumer choice by considering the availability of City assets, possibly in partnership with the private sector.
  9. Quality of Life - Enhance the quality of life in the community by facilitating Internet access in and around public places.
Consultation has concluded

We want to hear from you! Let us know your questions and we will get back to you with an answer.

  • Share Well into 2025, I haven't gotten any updates from Google Fiber, curious if there's an update to the plan and/or schedule? on Facebook Share Well into 2025, I haven't gotten any updates from Google Fiber, curious if there's an update to the plan and/or schedule? on X (formerly Twitter) Share Well into 2025, I haven't gotten any updates from Google Fiber, curious if there's an update to the plan and/or schedule? on Linkedin Email Well into 2025, I haven't gotten any updates from Google Fiber, curious if there's an update to the plan and/or schedule? link

    Well into 2025, I haven't gotten any updates from Google Fiber, curious if there's an update to the plan and/or schedule?

    timbmartin asked about 1 year ago

    Hi Mr. Martin -

    The City has not received any additional progress updates from Google Fiber either. We continue to monitor their status page for updates: 

    Gigabit Internet Service in Golden, CO | Google Fiber

  • Share Can you provide an update? I haven't seen any movement on this for over a year... on Facebook Share Can you provide an update? I haven't seen any movement on this for over a year... on X (formerly Twitter) Share Can you provide an update? I haven't seen any movement on this for over a year... on Linkedin Email Can you provide an update? I haven't seen any movement on this for over a year... link

    Can you provide an update? I haven't seen any movement on this for over a year...

    Ryne Edwards asked about 3 years ago

    New consumer service will be built and operated by Google Fiber. This service is expected to be available in Golden starting in early to mid-2025.

  • Share We live along the northward build of the master fiber ring along Ford (near Norman D Park). When will residents be able to tie into this fiber network? I saw crews installing micro-conduit along this section (April 2024). on Facebook Share We live along the northward build of the master fiber ring along Ford (near Norman D Park). When will residents be able to tie into this fiber network? I saw crews installing micro-conduit along this section (April 2024). on X (formerly Twitter) Share We live along the northward build of the master fiber ring along Ford (near Norman D Park). When will residents be able to tie into this fiber network? I saw crews installing micro-conduit along this section (April 2024). on Linkedin Email We live along the northward build of the master fiber ring along Ford (near Norman D Park). When will residents be able to tie into this fiber network? I saw crews installing micro-conduit along this section (April 2024). link

    We live along the northward build of the master fiber ring along Ford (near Norman D Park). When will residents be able to tie into this fiber network? I saw crews installing micro-conduit along this section (April 2024).

    klevan asked over 2 years ago

    New consumer service will be built and operated by Google Fiber. This service is expected to be available in Golden starting in early to mid-2025.

  • Share Any updates for 2022? on Facebook Share Any updates for 2022? on X (formerly Twitter) Share Any updates for 2022? on Linkedin Email Any updates for 2022? link

    Any updates for 2022?

    timbmartin asked over 4 years ago

    Yes, new update went up today!

  • Share Any updates on when we can get the fiber service. I have friends in centennial that have it and the love it. on Facebook Share Any updates on when we can get the fiber service. I have friends in centennial that have it and the love it. on X (formerly Twitter) Share Any updates on when we can get the fiber service. I have friends in centennial that have it and the love it. on Linkedin Email Any updates on when we can get the fiber service. I have friends in centennial that have it and the love it. link

    Any updates on when we can get the fiber service. I have friends in centennial that have it and the love it.

    Southside golden asked almost 4 years ago

    At this point we don't have a date when this service will be available. No partner has been identified at this point but when that happens realistic dates are likely 3 years in the future. As our discussions with partners continue this site will be updated with the new details.

  • Share Could you please add a last updated date on this page? Would like to know if this is something being actively pursued. Thanks! on Facebook Share Could you please add a last updated date on this page? Would like to know if this is something being actively pursued. Thanks! on X (formerly Twitter) Share Could you please add a last updated date on this page? Would like to know if this is something being actively pursued. Thanks! on Linkedin Email Could you please add a last updated date on this page? Would like to know if this is something being actively pursued. Thanks! link

    Could you please add a last updated date on this page? Would like to know if this is something being actively pursued. Thanks!

    CoGirl asked over 7 years ago

    You can now find the update date at the top of the current update.

  • Share I realize this isn't something that's just around the corner, but are there thoughts around what to do with people who have contracts for their current service if/when Golden starts providing a different service? Is it possible people will have to pay early termination fees or two bills for some period of time before their old contract runs out? on Facebook Share I realize this isn't something that's just around the corner, but are there thoughts around what to do with people who have contracts for their current service if/when Golden starts providing a different service? Is it possible people will have to pay early termination fees or two bills for some period of time before their old contract runs out? on X (formerly Twitter) Share I realize this isn't something that's just around the corner, but are there thoughts around what to do with people who have contracts for their current service if/when Golden starts providing a different service? Is it possible people will have to pay early termination fees or two bills for some period of time before their old contract runs out? on Linkedin Email I realize this isn't something that's just around the corner, but are there thoughts around what to do with people who have contracts for their current service if/when Golden starts providing a different service? Is it possible people will have to pay early termination fees or two bills for some period of time before their old contract runs out? link

    I realize this isn't something that's just around the corner, but are there thoughts around what to do with people who have contracts for their current service if/when Golden starts providing a different service? Is it possible people will have to pay early termination fees or two bills for some period of time before their old contract runs out?

    speabody asked over 7 years ago

    Any action that comes from this effort wouldn’t cause a resident or  business to have to have multiple internet services. The goal is to simply provide more connectivity options to everyone.


  • Share 1Gb seems excessive for most people's needs and way beyond current household requirements and even the foreseeable future. I can guess that people say they want really fast internet, but is there an actual need for that much bandwidth? on Facebook Share 1Gb seems excessive for most people's needs and way beyond current household requirements and even the foreseeable future. I can guess that people say they want really fast internet, but is there an actual need for that much bandwidth? on X (formerly Twitter) Share 1Gb seems excessive for most people's needs and way beyond current household requirements and even the foreseeable future. I can guess that people say they want really fast internet, but is there an actual need for that much bandwidth? on Linkedin Email 1Gb seems excessive for most people's needs and way beyond current household requirements and even the foreseeable future. I can guess that people say they want really fast internet, but is there an actual need for that much bandwidth? link

    1Gb seems excessive for most people's needs and way beyond current household requirements and even the foreseeable future. I can guess that people say they want really fast internet, but is there an actual need for that much bandwidth?

    speabody asked over 7 years ago

    1GB is excessive for some households. Others would welcome the faster download speeds of such a service. Everyone’s situation will be unique and each household will ideally have the opportunity to examine the available options and select what works best for them.


  • Share Our house is too far from the central telco office to get anything but the slowest DSL (~ 1 Mb/sec). We don't have cable to our house. We are very happy with our AU Wireless radio service. They're responsive, affordable for the speeds we get (~50 Mb/sec), and local. Would working with a local co-op like them be one option being considered? on Facebook Share Our house is too far from the central telco office to get anything but the slowest DSL (~ 1 Mb/sec). We don't have cable to our house. We are very happy with our AU Wireless radio service. They're responsive, affordable for the speeds we get (~50 Mb/sec), and local. Would working with a local co-op like them be one option being considered? on X (formerly Twitter) Share Our house is too far from the central telco office to get anything but the slowest DSL (~ 1 Mb/sec). We don't have cable to our house. We are very happy with our AU Wireless radio service. They're responsive, affordable for the speeds we get (~50 Mb/sec), and local. Would working with a local co-op like them be one option being considered? on Linkedin Email Our house is too far from the central telco office to get anything but the slowest DSL (~ 1 Mb/sec). We don't have cable to our house. We are very happy with our AU Wireless radio service. They're responsive, affordable for the speeds we get (~50 Mb/sec), and local. Would working with a local co-op like them be one option being considered? link

    Our house is too far from the central telco office to get anything but the slowest DSL (~ 1 Mb/sec). We don't have cable to our house. We are very happy with our AU Wireless radio service. They're responsive, affordable for the speeds we get (~50 Mb/sec), and local. Would working with a local co-op like them be one option being considered?

    nscollins asked over 7 years ago

    All options are on the table. The goal is to identify the best way to expand access to broadband for all residents and businesses within Golden City limits.


  • Share There is an interesting conflict with density and broadband as follows. People who may want to telecommute and have high speed connections, and have potentially more disposable income live in the PUDs north and south of town. The older core while near Mines, has more rentals and is denser. So the central core would be easier to build out a broadband network, but will it be as well subscribed to? Will landlords provide it to their tenants? Will there be tiered rates so that people whose broadband costs more to install, pay more? Or will all the costs be spread evenly? I don't know that I have an opinion on this either way, but just hope that people in HOAs, apartments, and planned communities are not left out in access. Given our experience on trash hauling (really? yes), if we go all in, then we're all in, you have to get everyone in, with little ability to opt-out, to spread the costs. When we brought in single-hauler, we did not require it all places, and therefore did not get the benefit of reduced wear and tear, etc. Broadband needs to be broad to be successful. on Facebook Share There is an interesting conflict with density and broadband as follows. People who may want to telecommute and have high speed connections, and have potentially more disposable income live in the PUDs north and south of town. The older core while near Mines, has more rentals and is denser. So the central core would be easier to build out a broadband network, but will it be as well subscribed to? Will landlords provide it to their tenants? Will there be tiered rates so that people whose broadband costs more to install, pay more? Or will all the costs be spread evenly? I don't know that I have an opinion on this either way, but just hope that people in HOAs, apartments, and planned communities are not left out in access. Given our experience on trash hauling (really? yes), if we go all in, then we're all in, you have to get everyone in, with little ability to opt-out, to spread the costs. When we brought in single-hauler, we did not require it all places, and therefore did not get the benefit of reduced wear and tear, etc. Broadband needs to be broad to be successful. on X (formerly Twitter) Share There is an interesting conflict with density and broadband as follows. People who may want to telecommute and have high speed connections, and have potentially more disposable income live in the PUDs north and south of town. The older core while near Mines, has more rentals and is denser. So the central core would be easier to build out a broadband network, but will it be as well subscribed to? Will landlords provide it to their tenants? Will there be tiered rates so that people whose broadband costs more to install, pay more? Or will all the costs be spread evenly? I don't know that I have an opinion on this either way, but just hope that people in HOAs, apartments, and planned communities are not left out in access. Given our experience on trash hauling (really? yes), if we go all in, then we're all in, you have to get everyone in, with little ability to opt-out, to spread the costs. When we brought in single-hauler, we did not require it all places, and therefore did not get the benefit of reduced wear and tear, etc. Broadband needs to be broad to be successful. on Linkedin Email There is an interesting conflict with density and broadband as follows. People who may want to telecommute and have high speed connections, and have potentially more disposable income live in the PUDs north and south of town. The older core while near Mines, has more rentals and is denser. So the central core would be easier to build out a broadband network, but will it be as well subscribed to? Will landlords provide it to their tenants? Will there be tiered rates so that people whose broadband costs more to install, pay more? Or will all the costs be spread evenly? I don't know that I have an opinion on this either way, but just hope that people in HOAs, apartments, and planned communities are not left out in access. Given our experience on trash hauling (really? yes), if we go all in, then we're all in, you have to get everyone in, with little ability to opt-out, to spread the costs. When we brought in single-hauler, we did not require it all places, and therefore did not get the benefit of reduced wear and tear, etc. Broadband needs to be broad to be successful. link

    There is an interesting conflict with density and broadband as follows. People who may want to telecommute and have high speed connections, and have potentially more disposable income live in the PUDs north and south of town. The older core while near Mines, has more rentals and is denser. So the central core would be easier to build out a broadband network, but will it be as well subscribed to? Will landlords provide it to their tenants? Will there be tiered rates so that people whose broadband costs more to install, pay more? Or will all the costs be spread evenly? I don't know that I have an opinion on this either way, but just hope that people in HOAs, apartments, and planned communities are not left out in access. Given our experience on trash hauling (really? yes), if we go all in, then we're all in, you have to get everyone in, with little ability to opt-out, to spread the costs. When we brought in single-hauler, we did not require it all places, and therefore did not get the benefit of reduced wear and tear, etc. Broadband needs to be broad to be successful.

    camerdb asked over 7 years ago

    Thank you very much for your thoughts.  These are all good questions, and I will pass them on to the Broadband committee as they research the possibilities.