Community Broadband Network - General FAQ's

The Community Broadband Network (CBN) is a project to improve internet access, reliability, and affordability across the County. The County has contracted with Bonfire to design and build an open-access network that will enable fiber-to-the-premise (FTTP) service to more than 10,000 homes and businesses in Los Alamos and White Rock, expanding internet subscription options for community members.  

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.

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.

As of January 6, 2026, the low-level design was approved by the County Council. Procurement of materials is underway. Construction for phase I (total 8 phases) is anticipated to begin in spring 2026 (initial neighborhood locations to be announced). This means that by fall 2026 the first customers are anticipated to be service-ready in the initial construction areas. 

Phase 1 construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in the spring 2026.  

There are a total of 8 phases across 47 distribution areas and three network hubs (optical line terminals):

The White Rock Fire Station 3,  Los Alamos Municipal Building, and Los Alamos Golf Course.

The first areas are still to be determined, but more than likely will start near one of the three network hubs—the Los Alamos Municipal Building, the County Golf Course, or the White Rock Fire Station 3. The buildout will then expand outward to more remote areas.

Yes. The County is leveraging existing conduits that were installed during the Cerro Grande fire reconstruction efforts in the burned area, and existing utility poles where possible. This significantly reduces construction costs and helps avoid delays due to difficult terrain.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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