What’s Happening in Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs Utilities is in the midst of rolling out a $600 million citywide fiber optic internet network, aiming to bring ultra-fast, high-reliability internet access to homes and businesses alike.
The public-private partnership includes Ting Internet as the network operator and is expected to reach nearly every address over the next few years.
This isn’t just a utility upgrade — it’s a commercial real estate game-changer.
Why Fiber Matters for CRE Owners, Tenants & Investors
1. High-Speed Connectivity is No Longer Optional
Tenants now consider reliable fiber internet as critical infrastructure — especially:
- Tech startups
- Government contractors
- Medical providers
- Engineering and defense firms
- Hybrid or remote teams
Buildings without access to competitive fiber options are already falling behind in lease-up speed and tenant retention.
“Fast internet used to be a perk. Now it’s a dealbreaker.”
2. Office and Flex Users Are Getting Smarter
More tenants are asking:
- “What providers are in the building?”
- “Is fiber already connected?”
- “What’s the expected install time?”
For Class B and older properties, the new utility rollout gives owners a second chance to compete with newer, tech-enabled buildings — if they act early to prepare.
3. Retail & Mixed-Use Centers Benefit Too
Fiber supports more than just office tenants:
- POS systems
- Smart lighting & HVAC
- Security and access controls
- Digital signage & customer Wi-Fi
Centers that advertise “fiber-ready” in their leasing materials can stand out — especially to chains, franchises, and tech-enabled small businesses.
4. Future Value: A Sellable Feature
Just like ample parking or energy-efficient HVAC, fiber infrastructure adds to a building’s resale value and cap rate potential — especially as digital demand outpaces physical space.
Whether you're planning to lease, sell, or refinance, this utility shift adds value when positioned well.
What to Do Now
- Check fiber availability at your properties
Ting and CSU offer address lookup tools and deployment timelines. - Prep your leasing materials
Promote “fiber-ready” status if available, or “coming soon” to signal forward-thinking infrastructure. - Talk to tenants
Knowing which tenants care most can help you prioritize where to invest in connectivity upgrades.
Let’s Talk
Need help positioning your property around connectivity?
Want to market your space as fiber-ready?
Ampeli CRE can help you strategize based on what today’s tenants actually care about.
