New Montrose Fiber Provider Opens Farmington Office, Promises Citywide Network

Clearnetworx celebrated a ribbon cutting in Farmington on November 18 as the Montrose based fiber to the home provider announced a rapid expansion into San Juan County. Company leaders said they connected their first Farmington customer on October 14 and pledged to build a network that will reach nearly every home in the city. The firm estimates that the first phase of the network will be completed next year after design work and permitting are finished.

The company said the expansion follows its recent acquisition of FastTrack Communications, a move intended to leverage existing middle mile infrastructure and accelerate deployment. Using existing routes for the middle mile can reduce the cost and time required to bring fiber to neighborhoods, making it easier to achieve broad residential coverage. At the ribbon cutting, local business leaders and the chamber of commerce were on hand to observe the launch and hear company plans for community engagement.

For Farmington residents the practical benefits are straightforward. Fiber to the home delivers higher symmetrical upload and download speeds than typical cable or DSL connections, improving video conferencing, telemedicine, online education, and cloud dependent business operations. For small businesses and remote workers in San Juan County, those improvements can lower transaction costs and expand market reach. The company also announced commitments to sponsor local high school athletics and to coordinate workforce outreach with San Juan College, signaling an intent to develop local hiring and technical training as the build advances.

There are economic and policy implications beyond individual service upgrades. Building a citywide fiber network requires coordination with municipal planners over rights of way and permitting, and the timeline noted by Clearnetworx underscores the role local government can play in streamlining approvals. Faster permitting and clear design standards can shave months from construction schedules and reduce disruption. Conversely, delays in permitting or utility coordination can slow progress and raise costs for providers and taxpayers alike.

Longer term, a completed fiber network could influence property values, business retention, and new investment decisions in Farmington. Reliable high capacity internet has become a key infrastructure input for relocating firms and remote employees, and rural and smaller cities that acquire modern networks often see improved competitiveness. The company’s use of acquired middle mile assets and its local partnerships suggest a business model aimed at rapid market entry and community integration.

As design and permitting move forward in the coming months, residents should expect construction notices and opportunities to sign up for service. Local officials and educators will play a role in translating the build into jobs and training that benefit the county.