The City of Cortez is evaluating the feasibility of a Fiber to the Home project. It is anticipated to be a Multi-Service Open network that would bring fiber to each home and business that requests service. Much like building roads, the City project could deploy the fiber network throughout the neighborhoods and business districts in town.
The City is evaluating partnerships with private organizations to provide services to users. The initial services planned would include; telephone voice services, data (internet), and video (TV). These three services combined are often referred to as "Triple Play." The system could also accomodate other specialized services such as; home and business security, Police and Fire, energy management, online tutoring, schools, and telemedicine. The City would not provide any services - it would just provide the digital road for others to use.
The City network currently has over 50,000 linear feet of fiber throughout Cortez. The current system serves City facilities, County facilities, Hospital, Fire District, and School District. There are also several businesses connected, some of which have expressed an interest in this project. If completed, this project would expand on the current network and grow the outside fiber plant to local homes and business.