The City of Fountain strongly believes that improving access to telecommunication services will improve quality of life and support the economic vitality of our community. In November 2018, an overwhelming majority (73%) of voters approved a ballot measure that allowed Fountain’s City Council to regain authority over telecommunication services, such as high-speed internet. 

The City of Fountain partnered with an engineering firm to produce a Broadband Feasibility Study. The study analyzed two business models for the potential creation of a new broadband utility; City own-and-operate, and a public-private partnership. The study considered several items, including results of a market survey, associated costs and financial modeling, competition, and the economic development impacts of a broadband utility.

On February 11, 2020, following a regularly scheduled City Council meeting, a special work session was held to discuss business models and their associated finance options.  Attendees had a thorough discussion related to the initiative, its benefits, risks, and financial impact. At the conclusion of the workshop, City Council directed staff to proceed with a “partnership” model, with a goal of reducing risk to the community.  A "Request for Information" was published, soliciting commercial companies who wish to partner with the City to build a new, privately-owned, broadband network.