Fiber internet construction underway in Town of Ignacio
The Southern Ute Indian Tribe broke ground on a major broadband project with Bonfire, Monday Dec. 4 — signaling the construction of a state-of-the-art fiber internet network in the Town of Ignacio, located on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. This milestone follows the successful clearance of the last permitting hurdle, marking a significant step towards addressing digital connectivity disparities in the region.
“We are thrilled to announce the commencement of construction for the fiber internet network in the Town of Ignacio,” Southern Ute Chairman, Melvin Baker said. “This project is a testament to our dedication to the well-being and prosperity of our community. The enhanced connectivity will open up new opportunities for education, business, and communication, making a positive impact on the lives of our tribal members and other town residents.”
The initiative, driven by the Tribe’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its members and for other Reservation residents, aims to provide high-speed, reliable internet access to the underserved community of Ignacio. This project is part of the Tribe’s broader strategy to bridge the digital divide, empower local businesses, and improve educational opportunities for residents.
“The federal approval of all permitting for the Ignacio and Florida Mesa areas is a major milestone for the Tribe’s Broadband Project,” Southern Ute Shared Services Chief Information Officer, Jeff Engman said. “This next phase of our project marks a major expansion of the Tribe’s fiber optic deployment that will start connecting homes and businesses within the Reservation to our new tribal backbone network from Ignacio to Durango that we recently completed.
“The success of this project is due to the Tribal Council’s support and leadership,” Engman said. “The time and effort required from many tribal employees and entities, the partnership we have established with the Bonfire Infrastructure Group, and the funding that has been made available by the Tribe, the State of Colorado, and the federal government — all with the end goal of closing the digital divide that exists within the Reservation.”
Construction is set to begin immediately, with certain segments of the project expected to be completed as early as next summer, weather permitting. The overall project is scheduled until December of 2025, with the first three areas — Ignacio, the Sky Ute Casino, and Florida Mesa West— to be completed for 2024. The Tribe encourages Ignacio town residents, and other Reservation residents to stay updated on the project’s progress through official tribal communications channels.
“Since 2005, when I graduated from Fort Lewis College, I dreamt of and spoke with the late Jimmy Newton Jr. about the day when faster more reliable internet service would come to our area,” Southern Ute Shared Services Broadband & Digital Equity Manager, Delbert Cuthair said. “That day has finally come, and the dream is becoming a reality.”
Key Features of the Fiber Internet Project:
High-Speed Connectivity: The fiber internet infrastructure will deliver high-speed internet access to homes, businesses, and community facilities in the Town of Ignacio, fostering economic development and innovation.
Reliability and Stability: Residents can expect a reliable and stable internet connection, enabling seamless communication, online learning, telecommuting, and access to essential services.
Community Empowerment: The project reflects the Tribe’s commitment to empowering its community by providing essential digital infrastructure. This investment aligns with the Tribe’s dedication to fostering economic growth and improving overall quality of life.
Collaboration with Stakeholders: The Southern Ute Indian Tribe has worked collaboratively with local, state, and federal agencies to navigate the permitting process successfully. This collaborative effort demonstrates the commitment to creating positive partnerships that benefit the entire community.