INTERNET FOR ALL
StratusIQ Vital Connect – Equitable Access
Low-Income Household Discounted Internet Plans
All StratusIQ customers, can qualify by showing documentation of their eligibility for public assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), Section 8 or similar Housing Assistance Programs, or meeting the definition of low-income found in C.R.S. § 39-3-112(1)(b.3) page 86-90.
Provides low-income household’s broadband plans and discounts:
- Vital Connect Plan – 150x50Mbps for $20/mo (Monthly price of $30 with $10 discount)
- No Term Contracts.
- No Equipment Fees.
- No Credit Check.
- ½ price standard installation.
- Discounts and Plans can apply to new, prior, and current customers.
- Discounts and Plans will apply to similar speed plans if the customer is not in a FTTH service area.
- Can receive a $20 discount on any alternative internet services when opting for a plan other than Vital Connect Plan.
Making Broadband Accessible to All
StratusIQ was the first ISP in El Paso County Colorado to build Fiber-to-the-Home in 2007 and has built FTTH exclusively ever since. We define digital inclusion as ensuring everyone has the access and ability to effectively use digital technologies like high-speed internet, regardless of their background or circumstances. This involves not only providing access to necessary infrastructure but also fostering digital literacy and skills development.
Our partnership with Freedom Springs Apartments began in 2020 and has supported homeless veterans in transitioning to stable living conditions while accessing critical online resources through our internet services. Additionally, our partnership with The Commons Supportive Housing Apartment complex supports low-income families, educating residents about available programs and helping them take advantage of these resources.
In 2022 StratusIQ became an ACP provider with the FCC. Since adopting this plan StratusIQ has worked with low-income households including Freedom Springs Apartments and The Commons Supportive Housing and any other qualifying households across our entire service area to add additional discounts to high-speed fiber internet, some of which allowed these households to receive internet services at zero cost.
In 2024 StratusIQ, in proactive preparation for the ACP program wind-down, further enhanced its Vital Connect program to include further company funded discounts on high-speed fiber internet access so that those who would be negatively impacted could still receive high speed internet access at a reduced rate.
At StratusIQ, we remain committed to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that everyone can benefit from the opportunities offered by digital technology.
Affordability
At StratusIQ, we’re dedicated to making high-speed internet affordable and accessible for everyone, especially low-income households, veterans, students, and more. Through our Vital Connect program, we offer reduced-rate fiber internet to eligible residents. We also provide discounts to active-duty military members.
Vital Connect goes beyond discounts by eliminating equipment fees, term contracts, credit checks and offering half-priced installation, making it easier for customers to get connected without any hassle.
We’ve partnered with Freedom Springs Apartments and The Commons Supportive Housing to offer free Wi-Fi in communal areas and provide free Wi-Fi devices to residents in these communities. This ensures that those facing financial challenges can access essential high-speed internet, sometimes at no cost.
We also collaborate with federal programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to offer additional discounts. To further support affordability, StratusIQ has introduced company-funded discounts within the Vital Connect program, minimizing the impact of any changes in external programs.
Our involvement in the Underline Open Access Network (OAN) helps bring fiber internet to low-income urban households in Colorado Springs, expanding affordable connectivity.
StratusIQ actively seeks resources through partnerships and grants with organizations like the Colorado State Office of Information Technology to continue improving affordability and access to high-speed internet in underserved communities.
Digital Literacy & Advocacy
At StratusIQ, we’re passionate about boosting digital literacy in our community. We run various training programs to help people improve their digital skills, covering everything from basic internet use to online safety, productivity tools, and social media.
We offer different program levels to cater to everyone’s needs, whether you’re a beginner or looking to brush up on specific skills. We work closely with community organizations, schools, and local government to make these programs accessible to seniors, veterans, students, and low-income households.
StratusIQ’s team has worked with low-income households to show them how to sign up for internet service, educate them on federal programs such as the ACP program and show them fundamental concepts on how to use the internet.
To further support our community, we provide free technical support to our customers. This includes help with troubleshooting connectivity issues, setting up devices, and general internet usage advice.
Our partnerships with local educational institutions and organizations enhance our digital literacy efforts. We co-host workshops, provide valuable resources, and use these collaborations to reach more people.
Our digital literacy programs have led to many success stories. Participants have gained confidence in using technology, accessed educational resources online, and improved their job prospects.
Accessibility
At StratusIQ, we’re dedicated to improving internet access and expanding our coverage through strategic infrastructure projects and innovative technologies.
We’re making significant efforts to bring fiber internet to rural and underserved areas. This involves expanding our networks and partnering with local governments and organizations to focus on regions with limited connectivity.
Our close collaboration with communities, governments, and organizations helps us understand local needs and tailor our expansion projects effectively. We use a data-driven approach to prioritize areas for growth, considering factors like population density, existing infrastructure, and community demand to ensure our investments make the biggest impact.
StratusIQ is a major tenant on the Underline Open Access Network in Colorado Springs. This OAN partnership has brought fiber internet access to many low-income urban households in Colorado Springs.
StratusIQ has also worked with the Colorado State Office of Information Technology to secure millions of dollars in grant funding to expand 10Gpbs fiber internet to unserved rural communities that had been previously left behind in the d). Byal transformation of America (High-Cost Support Mechanism, State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, etc.). By continually expanding our infrastructure and adopting new technologies, we’re working to ensure that more Americans have access to reliable, high-speed internet.
2024 BroadbandNow
Digital Inclusion Award Win
StratusIQ’s recent win of the 2024 BroadbandNow Digital Inclusion Award underscores our unwavering commitment to equitable access. This prestigious recognition highlights our efforts to bridge the digital divide, particularly in underserved and rural communities. Through strategic partnerships and innovative technology, we have expanded high-speed internet access to areas previously without reliable connectivity. Our initiatives demonstrate our dedication to ensuring that everyone, regardless of location or income, can benefit from high-speed internet. At StratusIQ, we believe that equitable access is essential for fostering digital inclusion and empowering communities.
See what you can achieve with StratusIQ Internet
Locally operated since 2003, StratusIQ is the leading Internet Service Provider for the greater Colorado Springs market.
Superior service at the best value. Smarter Internet.
StratusIQ builds fiber networks and combines trust with product quality and service reliability, to deliver superior service at the best value.