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Councilors seek an Internet boost

Ballot question likely in November
The Durango City Council plans to ask the voters in November to opt out of a restrictive state law that prevents municipalities from leasing its fiber-optic lines to private companies.

The city has laid Internet infrastructure throughout town, but right now the city staff can’t lease any of the infrastructure to private companies because of a restrictive state law.

The Durango City Council expressed interest in bringing the issue to voters in November and asking residents to exempt the city from the law and potentially improve Internet service by leasing infrastructure to providers.

The state law passed in 2005 was meant to prevent municipalities from competing with companies, said Councilor Dick White.

“Here we are out in Southwest Colorado still underserved,” he said.

The law has blocked municipalities from partnering with companies to improve access for businesses and residents.

Right now, even if the city’s fiber line runs outside your front door, an Internet provider must run a separate conduit to provide you with Internet, said Ron LeBlanc, city manager.

But if the city can allow private companies to run fiber through existing conduits, it could prevent companies from needing to tear up other city infrastructure such as sidewalks and streets to lay lines, he said.

Once the conduits are in place, new lines can be installed without tearing up the ground again. The city could also lease use of existing public fiber lines because they are not close to capacity, LeBlanc said.

The councilors believe opting out of the law could be a boost for local businesses and those who telecommute.

“We’ve heard over and over again ... broadband is one of the major economic drivers now,” White said.

Since 2011, 10 other Colorado municipalities have successfully opted out of the law.

“We are all absolutely in favor of this,” said Councilor Sweetie Marbury, speaking for the two other councilors present.

mshinn@durangoherald.com



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