Getting high-speed internet to homes across this country is the modern equivalent to the creation of vast phone and electrical networks of last century.
Then there was a government mandate to expand those grids. With broadband, however, the efforts to grow the networks in Colorado are well-funded but not always well-thought-out. In some cases, one government agency doesn’t know what the other is doing, sometimes creating redundancies, other times leaving large swaths unserved.
As we turn to 2020, The Denver Post business staff wanted to take a look at the progress that has been made getting broadband to even the most remote of locations. As far as the government is concerned, 87% of Colorado has broadband, which isn’t bad, considering the goal was to have 92% of the state covered at this point.
But as you’ll find out reading today’s stories by Joe Rubino and Aldo Svaldi, the numbers don’t tell the whole story. Check back to denverpost.com tomorrow for one more story from Judith Kohler.
— Donovan Henderson, business editor
Up to Speed? Time, money, maps and the push for 100% broadband in rural Colorado
MORE: 5G technology could widen the digital divide in rural Colorado
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Five of The Denver Post’s best stories this week
What does it take to leave a gang? This Denver teen knows — and he wants to help other young people find new paths
Sam Elfay’s path to a new future wasn’t always straightforward. Like the day he almost died. But with the help of one man, he’s now working in the community on issues such as violence and affordable housing. Read more from Elise Schmelzer.
Colorado couple desperate to try experimental drug to stop son from “turning to stone”
For seven years, 14-year-old Jaiden Rogers has struggled with one of the world’s rarest diseases — stiff skin syndrome. Itap a condition that has caused his skin to gradually tighten and harden, spreading from his legs to his hips to his stomach and neck. Read more from John Aguilar.
Homework without a home: Colorado college to open homeless shelter for students as degree-seekers struggle statewide
Dayle “Sammy” Davidson is soon to be part of the shadow population of college students without consistent roofs over their heads while working toward a degree. Read more from Elizabeth Herenandez.
Starting Jan. 1, Coloradans will have more options for consuming cannabis in public, but will we catch up to California?
The laws that govern social cannabis use are about to change again, via The Know.
Starting Jan. 1, House Bill 1230 will allow two entirely new types of businesses in Colorado: tasting rooms that can sell cannabis flower and cannabis products, and “marijuana hospitality establishments,” which can’t sell cannabis on-site but allow full use of the plant (including on tour buses).
A year after Denver Public Library ended late fees, patrons — and their books — are returning
Thirty-five percent of patrons with overdue fines who had stopped using Denver Public Library services have re-engaged with the library since the fee cancellation, library officials said. Read more from Elizabeth Hernandez.
Bonus: The Denver Postap best long reads of 2019 that are worth your time
More of our best stories
+ Judge rules Denver’s urban camping ban unconstitutional
+ Courts add urgency to abortion fight in Colorado and nationally
+ Aurora leaders face tight deadline for picking new police chief after the deputy chief announced he is retiring also
+ “Weird and concerning”: Mystery drone sightings continue in Colorado and into Nebraska days after the nighttime flights were first reported
+ Friends, co-workers launch their SecondAct with startup aimed at women making mid-life changes
+ Numbers don’t work for proposed Jefferson Parkway, bidder says
+ Colorado high school students make cultural, personal connections through Japanese pen pals
+ Catch a bus to ski or work? Colorado’s mountain transit systems lead the nation
+ Broncos Analysis: Strides made since 0-4 start, but much work (decisions) remain
+ Broncos great Ed McCaffrey on Jim Harbaugh, Kyle Shanahan, and why Northern Colorado is his “chance to prove” doubters wrong
+ Meet the Colorado chef who opened an ambitious new restaurant while battling incurable brain cancer — The Know
+ The biggest Denver restaurant trends of 2019 — The Know
+ Fundraising event brings family, friends together on Christmas Day at Highland Tap & Burger — The Know
+ New Year’s Eve ideas for families with kids: Fireworks, lights and fun — The Know
Photo of the week
Given that this is the final Post Premium of the year, here are some of the best visual projects that Denver Post photojournalists have worked on this year.
