Local broadband provider gains strong regional support for federal funding bid
GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO, March 12, 2025 – Pathfinder Broadband, a local high-speed internet provider, announced today that it has applied for federal funding through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program to expand reliable internet access across Western Colorado. This initiative is part of Pathfinder’s mission to connect communities often overlooked by larger providers, and the BEAD funding could accelerate efforts to bridge the digital divide in rural and mountain towns. The funding bid has already garnered strong regional backing, including a unanimous endorsement from the Garfield County Board of Commissioners and official letters of support from Pitkin and Eagle counties.
High-speed internet is more than a luxury in Western Colorado – it’s a lifeline for education, healthcare, and economic opportunity. Many rural homes and businesses in the region still lack adequate broadband, a gap that Pathfinder Broadband’s proposal aims to close. The federal BEAD program is a key funding source in Colorado’s broader initiative to connect 99% of the state’s households and businesses to reliable broadband by 2027, a goal set by Governor Jared Polis in a 2022 executive order.
Pathfinder’s project would be a significant step toward that goal, delivering new fiber-optic lines and enhanced fixed wireless coverage to unserved and underserved areas across the Western Slope. By leveraging existing infrastructure and local partnerships, the plan focuses on reaching even the most hard-to-connect areas with affordable, high-speed service.
Strong Regional Support. Local leaders have thrown their full support behind Pathfinder’s BEAD application. Garfield County’s Board of Commissioners recently voted 3-0 in favor of a resolution backing the project, recognizing the critical need for better connectivity in the area. Both Pitkin and Eagle County commissioners have also penned letters advocating for Pathfinder’s proposal. In their official letter of support, Garfield County commissioners wrote, “Pathfinder intends to leverage existing infrastructure and relationships with city, county, and public partnerships to deliver new-build fiber and fixed wireless to all areas.” This regional unity underscores a shared commitment to bringing 21st-century internet access to Western Colorado communities.
Farr Shepherd, President of Pathfinder Broadband, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of local support and emphasized the real-world impact expanded broadband would have. “Pathfinder was built to solve a problem that people in this region face every day—slow, unreliable internet that holds back businesses, schools, and families. We work alongside local communities to bring real solutions, not just empty promises. This isn’t just about faster speeds; it’s about making sure students can do their homework without struggling for a connection, businesses can compete in the digital economy, and emergency services have the reliable infrastructure they need. The support we’re receiving from Garfield, Pitkin, and Eagle counties proves that this is a shared priority, and we’re ready to make it happen.”
Pathfinder Broadband is calling on residents and businesses across Western Colorado to join the push for better broadband. Community members are encouraged to contact their local and state lawmakers, as well as media outlets, to share personal stories about the need for high-speed internet and voice support for funding this project. By speaking up, locals can help ensure that Western Colorado’s broadband needs remain a priority as state officials evaluate BEAD funding proposals. Every phone call, email, or social media post to policymakers can reinforce how vital reliable internet is for the region’s future.
About Pathfinder Broadband
Pathfinder Broadband is a community-based internet service provider dedicated to bringing fast, reliable connectivity to Western Colorado. Founded by Roaring Fork Valley locals who were frustrated with the poor internet options offered by large providers, Pathfinder delivers high-speed fiber and fixed wireless broadband to homes and businesses throughout Garfield, Pitkin, and Eagle counties. The company’s mission is to close the digital divide in the region by providing world-class internet service with a personal, local touch. From remote ranches to mountain towns, Pathfinder Broadband is committed to ensuring that the communities it serves have the connectivity they need to live, work, and thrive in the digital age.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact Annette Acosta at [email protected].