SAN LUIS VALLEY— The COVID-19 pandemic has bolstered creativity among organizations throughout the world as they navigate how to survive in this new time. School districts— big and small— have had to adapt tremendously as they scramble to stay connected to their students.

Alamosa School District Interim Superintendent Marsha Cody noticed holes in their students’ broadband coverage— students without any internet access. One major area lacking was Century Mobile Home Park, which includes approximately 185 homes with nearly 60 students.

Cody hosted a conference call that included Ciello’s Chief Technology Officer Monroe Johnson on Dec. 18; from there, ideas began flowing and a solution was found.

In the process of exploring several options, Johnson contacted Alamosa IT Director Jim Belknap. A plan was formed to use Ciello’s fiber along with the City’s fiber infrastructure to solve the problem. Both networks will be used to provide Internet service over a new wireless site located near the mobile home park.

Belknap was on board and helped expedite the process; several departments within the city worked quickly to move the idea forward, and the application fee was waived by City Council.

Tying into the City’s fiber, Ciello has installed a pole along with antennas and will soon have the ability to offer broadband service wirelessly to the students that reside in Century Mobile Home Park.

City of Alamosa’s Heather Brooks, Jim Belknap, Deacon Aspinwall and Erich Schwiesow were instrumental in making this collaboration happen with the school district and Ciello.