Atomic Fiber Project

  • Project typeBroadband network construction
  • Project value$35 million
  • Project scheduleConstruction Completed 2029
  • Contractor nameBonfire IG
Logo of Atomic Fiber: a small particle zooms in a star pattern with on a dark blue background

The Atomic Fiber Project will bring reliable, high-speed internet to all residents and businesses in the County, keeping the community competitive and cutting-edge.

Although a need for internet upgrades in Los Alamos County has long been clear, the private sector was unwilling to take the project. In response, the Los Alamos County Council awarded contracts to Bonfire IG to design and build a fiber-to-the-premise (FTTP) network for $35 million at the November 19, 2024 Council Meeting. The County-owned network will offer connection to every residence and business (10,000+ locations) in Los Alamos County.

Learn more at the Atomic Fiber Initiative FAQ page and the official Atomic Fiber website.

Project Purpose

The Atomic Fiber Project will provide faster, more reliable internet and enhance the reliability and affordability of broadband in Los Alamos County, benefiting residents now and into the future. The network infrastructure will be County-owned and locally controlled, just like a road or sewer line. As an open-access network, multiple Internet Service Providers (ISPs) will use the same fiber to offer service, allowing for greater competition, more choice, and lower costs for consumers if they choose to use the network.

Project Updates

Stay tuned for news of the Atomic Fiber Groundbreaking, coming mid-May.

Frequently Asked Questions

Construction Near My Home

What time will construction take place?

Generally, construction crews will be onsite Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. However, some work may be scheduled on weekends to ensure timely completion of the project.

What kind of construction will be done?

Various installation methods will take place during the construction phase:

Microtrenching: This is a fast, low-impact method where a narrow trench about 1.5” wide by 16” deep is cut into the road or sidewalk to contain small conduits that will later have fiber optic cables placed inside.

Directional drilling (boring): This uses a machine to steer steel rods to create an underground hole so a conduit can be placed within the bored hole. This method requires only small entry and exit pits rather than a continuous open trench.

Aerial installation: In areas with existing County Department of Public Utilities poles, a support wire is first attached to the poles, then fiber optic cable(s) are lashed to the support wire. The support wire and fiber will follow the same path as power or phone lines. Existing poles may be along roadways, and many utility poles are located in backyard utility easements.

How long will construction in front of each home last?

While the entire project is phased over approximately two years, work directly in front of a home typically takes place in two parts:

Microtrenching and directional drilling: Installation of conduit lasts only a few days and the installation of the fiber optic cable within the conduit lasts only a couple days. There may be a lag between the placement of conduit and the installation of fiber cable within the conduit.

Aerial installation: Workers will install the support wire first and then will come back to lash the fiber optic cable to the wire. As with microtrenching and directional drilling, there may be a lag between the support wire and cable lashing phases.

Will access to my home be impacted?

There may be a slight impact during microtrenching with the conduit installation and backfill process, which may impact vehicle access to driveways for a couple hours). There will not be any impact during aerial or directional drilling activities.

Contact details

Jerry Smith, Broadband Manager
jerry.smith@losalamosnm.gov
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