High-Speed Internet, Built by the Southern Ute Tribe
The Southern Ute Indian Tribe has successfully built and now operates a modern broadband network to serve residents and businesses across the Reservation.
This network was created to close the digital divide, strengthen our community, and ensure reliable, affordable internet — today and for future generations.
Revenue stays local. Decisions are made locally. The network exists to serve you.
Our Vision
Build and operate a new, self-sustainable, broadband network that will provide high-quality, high-speed, and affordable internet connectivity for all residents and businesses within the Reservation.
Our Partners
The Tribe has entered into strategic partnerships with three companies to provide service to the community via an Open Access network. That means customers can choose from multiple Internet Service Providers, without needing multiple installations to their home. Less headache, one connection, but multiple choices- everybody wins!
Bonfire Infrastructure Group- Bonfire serves as the Tribe’s network operator, managing construction, service connections, and overall network performance
For Questions on Construction, Network Outages, or service connections, call: 888-909-0665
Internet Service Providers
FTI Wifi
Pleasant View, Colorado
- FTI has served customers in Southwest Colorado for over 105 years, focusing on rural communities
- Provides standard internet and business-grade internet, experts in both fiber and wireless solutions
What is Broadband?
- Broadband is the transmission of data over a high-speed internet connection.
- Broadband data is sent via many technologies like fiber optics, wireless, TV cable, and satellite.
Available Technologies
Fiber Optic Internet
Fiber internet uses glass strands to deliver internet directly to your home. It offers the fastest speeds available and remains reliable even as demand grows.
Fiber service is now available in many areas, with expansion continuing across the Reservation.
What to Expect When Fiber Is Installed
When you sign up for service, a small fiber line—called a fiber drop—is installed from the main network to your home. This process is designed to be low-impact and respectful of your property.
- Minimal digging: The fiber line is placed in a narrow trench, typically 4-6 inches deep. Crews use specialized equipment that slices into the ground and closes it back up, leaving little to no visible disturbance.
- Utilities are located in advance: Before any work begins, all underground utilities are clearly marked to ensure safe installation.
- Care for your home and yard: The fiber enters your home through a small, sealed opening, similar in size to a cable or phone line. Crews work carefully to avoid damage to walls, landscaping, and driveways.
- Clean and professional installation: Most installations are completed in just a few hours, and crews restore the area to its original condition.
Once installed, the fiber line is permanent, weather-resistant, and requires very little maintenance—providing fast, reliable internet for years to come.
Wireless Internet
For homes where fiber is not yet available, the Tribe now offers advanced wireless internet service using Tarana technology. Tarana was designed specifically for rural and Tribal communities.
Unlike older wireless systems, this technology:
- Works better through trees and terrain
- Performs well in all weather
- Maintains consistent speeds as more people connect
This means a more reliable internet experience for homes outside fiber areas.
What to Expect When Wireless Equipment Is Installed
When you sign up for service, a small antenna, called a remote node, is installed on the roof of your home. Then, a cable enters your home through a small, sealed opening similar in size to a cable or phone line. Crews work carefully to avoid damage to walls and siding, and place the equipment where you would like it to go.
Speed Test Results and Coverage
Actual Speed Test Results
Fiber
Results from Ookla Speedtest® at a Tribal Facility — December 2024
2,072
Mbps Download
2,079
Mbps Upload
3
ms Ping
Fiber Availability Map (as of 12/31/2025)
Wireless
Results from Ookla Speedtest at Bonfire facility- January 2026
300
Mbps Download
140
Mbps Upload
6
ms Ping
Wireless Availability Map – Coming in 2026
Future Expansion
The Tribe is continuing to expand the Network to provide service everywhere on the Reservation, and even service communities just outside the Reservation.
This has been made possible by over $100M of federal, state, and private grant funding to pay for network construction.
Recent Grant Awards:
- Colorado State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds- $9.8M
- Construction of a fiber backbone connecting Ignacio to surrounding communities, plus funding for customer connections
- NTIA Tribal Broadband Connectivity Fund- $43.7M
- Funding to connect over 3,700 homes to fiber and wireless service in the Central portion of the Reservation
- Capital Projects Fund- $8.6M
- Funding to service the Reservation’s West Side along Highway 140
- Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment- $35.2M
- Funding for over 1,000 homes across the Reservation- filling in the gaps to ensure everyone has service.
- Colorado Health Fund- $3M
- Private contribution towards construction and customer drops
Grant Funding Summary
| Grant Program | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| NTIA Tribal Broadband Connectivity | $43.7M | Federal grant for tribal broadband infrastructure |
| Capital Projects Fund | $8.6M | Infrastructure development funding |
| BEAD Funding | $35.2M | Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment |
| Colorado Health Foundation | $3M | Healthcare connectivity initiative |
| Total | $90.5M |
Voucher Program
Tribal Members may qualify for a limited-time internet discount on the Network and a one-time purchase of a router from your selection service provider.
Through a voucher program administered by Southern Ute Digital Equity Program (SUDEP), enrolled Tribal Members can receive $75 off monthly internet service until funding runs out.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, help is available by calling 970-563-5555.
Get Connected Today
Whether you’re working from home, attending school, accessing healthcare, or staying connected with family, reliable internet matters.
This network was built for the community — and it’s ready to serve you.
