Community Broadband Network - General FAQ's

Below are the answers to frequently asked questions about the Community Broadband Network (CBN).

What is the Community Broadband Network project?

The Community Broadband Network is a County-owned, open-access Fiber-to-the-Premise (FTTP) system that will deliver high-speed internet to every residence and business in Los Alamos County—more than 10,000 locations.

Who owns and operates the network?

Los Alamos County will own the network infrastructure, making it a long-term public asset. The County has contracted Bonfire Engineering & Construction LLC to design and build the fiber network, and then manage its operations for up to 20 years (in 5 year renewable increments). This public-private partnership ensures expert management while maintaining public ownership.

What is an open-access network?

An open-access network allows multiple Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to use the same infrastructure to offer service. In other words, the network is separate from the service providers, allowing for greater competition, more choice, and potentially lower costs for consumers. Residents and businesses will be able to choose from a range of ISPs using the County’s fiber network.

Why is Los Alamos County building its own broadband network?

The County Council identified high-speed broadband as a top strategic priority to improve economic vitality and quality of life. A community-owned network ensures universal access, higher quality service, fosters competition among providers, and enhances infrastructure resiliency.

What is the total cost of the project, and how is it being funded?

The project is budgeted at $35 million for construction and $15.9 million for operations and maintenance over 20 years. The construction portion is funded through Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) revenue bonds, already incorporated into the County’s long-range financial plan. The operations portion is funded by subscribers.

What is the current status of the project?

As of July 2025, the CBN project has moved from the high-level design portion of the design and engineering phase. to low-level design. Bonfire submitted the high-level design, which includes data gathering, mapping, infrastructure review, and cost estimates. Low level design is where detailed schematics for construction happens.

When will construction begin?

Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin June 2026, pending approval of the final low-level design by County Council in March/April 2026.

Where will construction begin?

Construction will start near the three central equipment hubs—one each in downtown Los Alamos, the County Golf Course clubhouse basement, and White Rock. The buildout will then expand outward to more remote areas.

Will the project use any existing infrastructure?

Yes. The County is leveraging existing conduits—many unused since the Cerro Grande fire recovery—and existing utility poles where possible. This significantly reduces construction costs and helps avoid delays due to difficult terrain.

How will the network be resilient?

The network design includes redundant fiber lines within the County and a second independent internet feed to Albuquerque to ensure continued service if one path is disrupted.

What is the “middle mile,” and why is it important?

In addition to building a local fiber network within Los Alamos County, the County is partnering with the Pueblo of San Ildefonso to construct approximately 11 miles of new fiber infrastructure, known as the "middle mile."

This connection will link the County’s network to regional internet backbones outside of Los Alamos, increasing overall capacity and improving performance. Importantly, it provides critical redundancy—if one fiber route goes down, internet service can continue through a second path. This helps ensure a more reliable, resilient broadband network for the entire community.

Will the fiber be underground or aerial?

About 50% of the fiber will be installed aerially on existing utility poles to reduce cost and avoid rocky terrain. The remaining portions will be buried where aerial installation is not feasible.

How fast will the internet be?

Initially, network speeds will support up to 10 gigabit-level connections for homes and businesses. Final speeds choices offered to subscribers will depend on the service plans offered by the participating ISPs.

Will I be required to switch to the new network?

No. Service will be optional. Residents and businesses can choose whether to switch to an ISP using the new network once it becomes available in their area.

How long has the County been working on this project?

Los Alamos County has been exploring options for community broadband for more than a decade. Initial studies were conducted as early as 2005 and again in 2013 to assess feasibility and community interest.

In 2020, the County took a major step forward by approving a dedicated broadband manager position, and in 2021, Jerry Smith was hired to lead the initiative. Throughout 2022, Smith conducted surveys, internet speed tests, and hosted public meetings to gather input and better understand local internet needs.

Following this groundwork, the County Council approved a formal agreement in November 2024 with Bonfire Engineering & Construction LLC to design, build, and manage a County-owned, open-access fiber network.

Who can I contact with questions?

Community Broadband Manager Jerry Smith is overseeing the project. He can be contacted at jerry.smith@losalamosnm.gov.

How can I stay updated?

Bookmark the Community Broadband Network Project page on the County’s website for updates, timelines, and Council presentations.