The Board of Directors officially committed to launching a broadband feasibility study today. This decision effectively initiates the transition toward the infrastructure model we advocated for throughout this process. I will provide updates on the board's timeline for implementation as they become available.
May 17, 2021
Final supporters
It is apparent that the La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) territory, primarily La Plata and Archuleta counties, is very poorly served by broadband providers. High-quality broadband access has become as vital as access to electricity. It is also clear that the incumbent broadband providers have little incentive or appetite for providing high quality broadband internet access to underserved rural areas of LPEA’s territory.
Other Rural Electric Coops across Colorado are successfully bringing high-quality broadband access to their members. For example, Delta-Montrose Electric Association (DMEA) members faced similar issues, but they approached the DMEA Board of Directors and insisted that DMEA take the lead in providing high quality broadband. DMEA formed the Elevate subsidiary which is now providing very high quality broadband access in parts of the DMEA service territory while gradually expanding to cover the entire service territory. This is much the same process that was used to bring electricity to rural areas in the early 20th century.
We therefore ask the LPEA Board of Directors to take a strong lead in bringing broadband to LPEA's service territory. With DMEA Elevate and other Colorado Rural Electric Cooperatives successful broadband efforts as examples of how to proceed, LPEA can move forward to make a huge difference for the people of La Plata and Archuleta counties.
Please sign this petition ONLY if you are an LPEA member. If you are responsible for a business and your business is an LPEA member, please enter the name of the business. If you have both individual and business service from LPEA, you may sign the petition twice, once for yourself and once for the business.
Updates
Reached 500 supporters
April 15, 2021
Reached 100 supporters
January 17, 2021
January 15, 2021
We are approaching one hundred signatures which is the threshold required to formally request this item be added to the next board meeting agenda. Please confirm your neighbors in the service territory have signed so we can trigger that procedural requirement by the end of the week.
228 Comments
Bringing broadband to SW Colorado addresses social inequity issues as well as increases the capability for business owners to work remotely and contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. All for it!
LPEA needs to think towards the future and transition into an internet service provider. They have the infrastructure, easements, fiber, etc. all ready in place. It's important for the community to have a say and and community option for internet service.
This is an EQUITY issue. I am signing for myself and my business and am wondering why LPEA, which seems to be advocating for other issues that I do agree with, for example, increased use of renewable energy, is not leading the way with this issue ?
We desperately need higher bandwidth both downstream and upstream in Bayfield city limits. Trying to work or attend online school from home with 3 mbps/1 mbps upload speeds is not productive. It's high time we address the issue as growth in the area continues.
I tried for two months to get service from the local DSL provider after moving to our new house. They were not able to provide service as they were oversubscribed. I'm now on satellite internet which is insufficient for Zoom meetings.
Paying $55/mo for 40 Mbps but getting 12-18 down and only 1 up. How about LPEA publishing thoughts about being an ISP in their newsletter and whether some board members might have a conflict of interest?
I have had nothing but trouble with Spectrum, the only available option in my neighborhood
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The Board of Directors officially committed to launching a broadband feasibility study today. This decision effectively initiates the transition toward the infrastructure model we advocated for throughout this process. I will provide updates on the board's timeline for implementation as they become available.
May 17, 2021
Final supporters
It is apparent that the La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) territory, primarily La Plata and Archuleta counties, is very poorly served by broadband providers. High-quality broadband access has become as vital as access to electricity. It is also clear that the incumbent broadband providers have little incentive or appetite for providing high quality broadband internet access to underserved rural areas of LPEA’s territory.
Other Rural Electric Coops across Colorado are successfully bringing high-quality broadband access to their members. For example, Delta-Montrose Electric Association (DMEA) members faced similar issues, but they approached the DMEA Board of Directors and insisted that DMEA take the lead in providing high quality broadband. DMEA formed the Elevate subsidiary which is now providing very high quality broadband access in parts of the DMEA service territory while gradually expanding to cover the entire service territory. This is much the same process that was used to bring electricity to rural areas in the early 20th century.
We therefore ask the LPEA Board of Directors to take a strong lead in bringing broadband to LPEA's service territory. With DMEA Elevate and other Colorado Rural Electric Cooperatives successful broadband efforts as examples of how to proceed, LPEA can move forward to make a huge difference for the people of La Plata and Archuleta counties.
Please sign this petition ONLY if you are an LPEA member. If you are responsible for a business and your business is an LPEA member, please enter the name of the business. If you have both individual and business service from LPEA, you may sign the petition twice, once for yourself and once for the business.
Updates
Reached 500 supporters
April 15, 2021
Reached 100 supporters
January 17, 2021
January 15, 2021
We are approaching one hundred signatures which is the threshold required to formally request this item be added to the next board meeting agenda. Please confirm your neighbors in the service territory have signed so we can trigger that procedural requirement by the end of the week.
228 Comments
Lpea has Broadband committee has been examining this for more than a year?! They are currently reviewing proposals for feasibility studies... Can we make this more of a priority please? This is not just a entertainment issue but a livelihood issue. Thank you!
Bringing broadband to SW Colorado addresses social inequity issues as well as increases the capability for business owners to work remotely and contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. All for it!
LPEA needs to think towards the future and transition into an internet service provider. They have the infrastructure, easements, fiber, etc. all ready in place. It's important for the community to have a say and and community option for internet service.
This is an EQUITY issue. I am signing for myself and my business and am wondering why LPEA, which seems to be advocating for other issues that I do agree with, for example, increased use of renewable energy, is not leading the way with this issue ?
We desperately need higher bandwidth both downstream and upstream in Bayfield city limits. Trying to work or attend online school from home with 3 mbps/1 mbps upload speeds is not productive. It's high time we address the issue as growth in the area continues.
I tried for two months to get service from the local DSL provider after moving to our new house. They were not able to provide service as they were oversubscribed. I'm now on satellite internet which is insufficient for Zoom meetings.
Paying $55/mo for 40 Mbps but getting 12-18 down and only 1 up. How about LPEA publishing thoughts about being an ISP in their newsletter and whether some board members might have a conflict of interest?
I have had nothing but trouble with Spectrum, the only available option in my neighborhood
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Lpea has Broadband committee has been examining this for more than a year?! They are currently reviewing proposals for feasibility studies... Can we make this more of a priority please? This is not just a entertainment issue but a livelihood issue. Thank you!