About Us

Hi neighbor! We're NextLight: Longmont's own fiber-fast internet (and more) service.

For Longmont, By Longmont

NextLight is community-based and community-owned. Our customers are our neighbors, so help isn’t just a phone call away, it is also right down the street. At NextLight, we know where you’re coming from and are here to keep you connected.

Fast & Reliable

With gigabit fiber, we provide fast and reliable connections that no other service can match. Recognized as one of the fastest ISPs in the nation, NextLight has the bandwidth to support all of today’s needs: distance learning, telemedicine, remote work, gaming, streaming television and more. Even when the whole family is plugged in at once, NextLight keeps moving in high gear.

We Meet You Where You Are

Whatever your needs, NextLight is here to help. We offer phone service for those who need a landline and discounted internet rates for income-qualified households. We are here to power up your workplace, as well, from a small storefront to a major manufacturer. First and always, it’s about serving YOU.

Our Story

1996

Platte River Power Authority prepare to upgrade to fiber

Platte River Power Authority’s member cities (Longmont, Loveland, Fort Collins, Estes Park) get ready to upgrade their electric substation communications to fiber-optics. Longmont Power & Communications and the Longmont City Council discuss adding additional fibers to the loop, which would allow the possibility of a citywide fiber-optic internet service.

1996

1997

The original fiber-optic loop is built.

Longmont Power & Communications, in conjunction with Platte River Power Authority, installs a 17-mile fiber-optic loop to support citywide fiber-optic internet service.

1997

2005

Colorado restricts local internet service with SB 152

The Colorado Legislature passes Senate Bill 152. With very limited exceptions, no local government can provide cable television, telecommunications, or high-speed internet access, or partner with a private entity to provide it, without voter approval.

2005

2011

Longmont successfully overturns SB 152

With 60% of the vote, Longmont voters pass a ballot issue that permits Longmont Power & Communications to begin providing high-speed internet access as a municipal service.

2011

2014

NextLight breaks ground

Longmont Power & Communications announces NextLight, the fiber internet service, and breaks ground on a six-phase construction project.

2014

2017

Longmont declared Colorado’s first “Gig City”

Longmont becomes the first to offer symmetrical gigabit speeds citywide and does so without data caps or contracts.

2017

2018

PC Magazine rates NextLight fastest in the nation

Just days before the National Civic League names Longmont an All-America City (and citing NextLight as a reason), NextLight is rated the fastest ISP in the nation, beating even Google Fiber and others.

2018

2019

NextLight celebrates 5 years

With a 57% “take rate,” NextLight strongly outperforms initial expectations among residential and commercial customers for its affordability, speed, and ease-of-use.

2019

2020

Longmont’s digital divide narrows

With fast internet more vital than ever, NextLight offers income-qualified and COVID-hardship discounts, and quadruples the speed for its lowest-cost residential connection.

2020

2021

NextLight joins EBB, revs up routers

NextLight becomes part of the Emergency Broadband Benefit program (now ACP), offering free and low-cost service to qualifying customers; faster-than-ever WiFi6 routers enter service.

2021

2022

‘Viewpoint’ spreads NextLight story

NextLight’s history and digital divide efforts for Longmont are featured on ‘Viewpoint With Dennis Quaid,’ airing on several major networks and PBS stations.

2022

NextLight adds new gig speeds up to 10 gig

NextLight unveils new super fast offerings for residential and commercial customers including 2.5G, 5G, and 10G speeds.

2022

2023

Colorado removes the SB152 restrictions on municipal broadband

NextLight recognized by PC Mag as the Readers’ Choice Top Home ISP and the Employees’ Choice Top ISP for the Office. The St. Vrain Valley School District and NextLight begin offering a free wireless network to serve 4,000 free and reduced-lunch students.

2023

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