SECOM doing its part to connect underserved communities with speedy, reliable internet
Access to dependable and high-speed internet is critical in the post-pandemic age of remote working, online schoolwork and telemedicine.
Southeast Communications (SECOM), a Southern Colorado-based internet service provider, has provided the region with cutting-edge technology and friendly customer service for a quarter-century.
As part of an over $2.3 million project funded through the U.S. Department of Treasury Capital Project Fund (CPF), SECOM will be installing broadband infrastructure to connect 341 locations in and around rural Pueblo County communities of Avondale and Boone.
SECOM also is the subgrantee for an over $8.8 million project installing infrastructure in the Bent County and Otero County communities of Cheraw, Las Animas, McClave and Wiley. Both grants are part of a statewide $113 million investment to bring broadband connectivity to 19,000 Colorado homes.
The Colorado Broadband Office is planning to invest another $826 million federal Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment funds to ensure a goal of providing connectivity to 99% of households before 2028, according to the Colorado Broadband Office website.
“There’s going to be huge activity all over the state with new people applying for grants and getting broadband built out,” said Jon Saunders, SECOM’s Chief Business Development Officer.
Based in La Junta, SECOM provides services as far west as Canon City, as far east as the Kansas border and as far south as the New Mexico border. Services include both fiber optic internet and wireless broadband for households and businesses.
Increasing connectivity in Pueblo County has long been part of SECOM’s mission. Fiber infrastructure was installed at Colorado State University Pueblo in 1999. By the early 2000s, SECOM was building out infrastructure for schools throughout Pueblo County School District 70.
With over 130 wireless towers and 2,000 miles of fiber now built throughout its service area, SECOM currently serves over 7,000 users in over 50 communities.
Access to SECOM’s service means opportunities for multiple members of a household to be online at the same time without complications, for doctors to provide quality care to patients remotely and for economic development in Southeastern Colorado, Saunders said.
Those from a “techie” background also may find SECOM’s high-speed, low-latency technology to be ideal for gaming, streaming video and voice services, he added.
SECOM is a Southeast Colorado Power Association (SECPA) subsidiary. SECPA is an electrical cooperative that has been in operation for almost 90 years. Like its parent company, SECOM aspires to “make life better” for residents in the communities they serve.
“That’s one of the core reasons why the power companies decided to build that original 600 miles of fiber. They said ‘Our kids need this. It’s important to get this into the schools… Let’s do this,’’’ Saunders said.
More information about SECOM, including information about services and pricing, can be found at secom.net.
“SECOM customer support operators live, work, play and volunteer in the communities we serve, fostering a deep connection and understanding of the unique needs of our customers,” the website explains. “Operating locally allows SECOM to deliver personalized, friendly services.”
