SUSS encouraging tribal members, area residents to sign up 

Southern Ute Shared Services is excited to report that fiber optic installation is moving forward throughout the community and that Phase 2 of the Broadband Project is on track. The Tribe is also strongly encouraging residents and businesses to proactively sign up for the high-speed internet service.  

“We’re hoping to get the community and the membership [signed up]. It’s a one-time funding opportunity,” Southern Ute Shared Services Chief Information Officer, Jeff Engman said. “There’s no guarantee in the future that the Tribe will have funding. It’s important to sign up now to add fiber to those homes.”   

Federal and state grant funding has enabled the Tribe to provide this one-time opportunity to install a fiber internet connection to residences at no up-front installation/construction cost if you live in the fiber construction project area. 

“Get your interest in there, so that when we are in your area, we can get you signed up and connected,” Southern Ute Shared Services Broadband & Digital Equity Manager, Delbert Cuthair said. 

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 success of this project is due to the Tribal Council’s support and leadership,” Engman said in a previous interview. “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.”    

Bonfire Engineering continues construction across the Southern Ute Reservation for fiber optic installation for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe Broadband Project under Phase 2. Construction is taking place along the edge of the roadways and/or behind sidewalks. The Broadband Project will include trenching, boring, and plowing to install fiber, as well as reclamation and seeding. Construction vehicles and fiber spools will be visible on the edges of roadways.  

The fiber internet service is lightning fast. “We’ve got 2GB with zero jitters and minimal latency – we’re running Denver speeds right now,” Engman said. “We are weeks away from having everything in the Ignacio area, and the Casino lit up and serviceable. We are going to work our way towards Bayfield, Three Springs next.” 

“There’s a newsletter going out, plus a phone number to get signed up for those who don’t want to go online,” Engman said. “We’ve gone through a lot of stuff in the background to make this easy, especially for Tribal members and on Tribal lands. Chairman Baker preauthorized [installation areas], so that residents, tribal members can sign service line agreements on a tablet.” This applies to Tribal member homes and Tribal Trust Land.  

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.  

“This is for all residents,” Engman said. “The money will run out, so we are working to get service to everybody we can.” 

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.