Farmers Telephone/FTI WIFI of Cortez and Pleasantview is pursuing a Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) grant opportunity for "supporting future connectivity efforts in the Rico and Dolores River corridor region," according to a June 3, 2026 email reply to a request for information from Ore Cart.

Region 9 Economic Development District representatives mentioned activity to provide backup fiberoptic cable to Rico at the Rico Board of Trustees meeting May 20, 2026. Ore Cart contacted Region 9 EDD, and was referred to FTI WIFI.

The FTI correspondence is from Megan Canada - Executive Sales Manager:

. . . Attached is a statement from Farmers Telephone Company, doing business as FTI WIFI, regarding the preliminary BEAD grant opportunity and our interest in supporting future connectivity efforts in the Rico and Dolores River corridor region.

As noted in the statement, the agreement process is still underway and details remain subject to final approval and execution, so we're somewhat limited in what we can discuss at this stage. However, we wanted to provide some background on our history in the area and our perspective on the opportunity. . . .

STATEMENT

Farmers Telephone Company, doing business as FTI WIFI, is pleased to acknowledge the recent public discussions regarding a preliminary BEAD grant award opportunity involving broadband expansion in the Rico and Dolores River corridor area. While the formal agreement process is still underway and details remain subject to final approval and execution, we are excited about the potential opportunity to further support broadband infrastructure and connectivity in this important region of Southwest Colorado.

FTI has a long history of connection to the Rico community. Following the sale of Rico Telephone many years ago, FTI continued supporting the area through technical support and backhaul services for a period of time, helping maintain connectivity for local residents and businesses. Although business operations and partnerships evolved over the years, we have always appreciated the relationship and history shared with the Rico community.

As conversations surrounding future broadband investment continue, we are encouraged by the possibility of once again supporting the region in new and meaningful ways. We also look forward to opportunities to collaborate with Rico Telephone and other local stakeholders as efforts progress to strengthen long-term connectivity and infrastructure throughout the area.

At FTI, our mission has always centered around supporting rural communities through reliable communication services, local relationships, and long-term investment in the places we serve. We remain committed to building stronger connections across Southwest Colorado and will share additional information as the process moves forward and details become finalized.

. . .

The information provided by FTI WIFI does not describe the source of the potential BEAD grant. Internet search for "BEAD grant Colorado" found the Colorado Broadband Office, but this is not the confirmed grant source at this time.

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