The Southern Ute Indian Tribe celebrated a significant milestone on April 30, with the activation of its new broadband network serving the Town of Ignacio. The activation ceremony was attended by dignitaries and leadership from the Colorado Broadband Office, La Plata County, Town of Ignacio, and Bonfire, along with Chairman Melvin J. Baker, Tribal Council, and the Southern Ute Shared Services.
“Activating the Ignacio Broadband in the boundaries of the Reservation is the first step on our journey to bridge the digital divide,” said Chairman Melvin J. Baker. “This project reflects our unwavering commitment to building a brighter future for both Tribal and non-Tribal members of our community. High-speed internet is no longer a privilege; it is a necessity for achievement in today’s digital age.”
The Ignacio Broadband network signifies a giant leap forward in connecting the future for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. This essential infrastructure project offers residents within the boundaries of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation and businesses in Ignacio with high-speed internet access, unlocking doors to advancements in education, healthcare, economic development, and overall well-being. This activation will serve over 100 Tribal Member homes. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the severity of the digital divide on the Reservation. The lack of internet access severely limited opportunities for remote work, telehealth services, and remote learning.
In response, the Tribal Council prioritized bridging the gap to ensure equal access to these critical resources. The project also includes homes within the community of Arboles.
“Balancing tradition and progress, Tribal nations in remote areas like the Southern Ute Indian Tribe face an even larger digital divide where accessing technology and essential services is difficult,” said Brandy Reitter, Executive Director of the Colorado Broadband Office. “Connecting the Town of Ignacio to high-speed internet isn’t just about connectivity, it’s about bridging the digital gap, preserving culture, fostering economic growth and unlocking limitless opportunities for Southern Ute generations to come.”
Southern Ute Shared Services Chief Information Officer, Jeff Engman shared, “The lighting of the Ignacio fiber is an event three years in the making. While it will take another six to eight weeks to fully connect every home in Ignacio, we are excited that we are now ready to light up the Tribes’ fiber network and begin serving homes in the town. Construction Reservation-wide will continue over the next few years, with Ignacio being the first to have state-of-the-art broadband connectivity.”
The Ignacio Broadband is more than just wires and signals, it is a pathway to empowerment, opportunity, and progress. It embodies the Tribe’s unwavering commitment to technological advancement, serving as a beacon for a thriving and digitally connected community for generations to come.