Community meeting · October 22, 2026
Thank you to everyone who joined us at SALA and on Zoom for the LANet & Atomic Fiber Community and Customer Update. We discussed construction, the steps to connect a home, and the work to give Los Alamos more than one route to the internet.
White Rock construction and the first connections
Bonfire said crews are working in White Rock, with Los Alamos Phase 1 crews expected later in 2026 or at the beginning of 2027. In discussing the first service activations, Bonfire said December 2026 was possible but January 2027 was more likely. The discussion did not confirm a December or January activation date specifically for Los Alamos. These were estimates shared at the meeting, not appointments or guaranteed dates for individual homes.
Work in a neighborhood does not necessarily mean it is ready for service. Duct installation, fiber placement, splicing, testing and the home connection are separate steps. The County explained that conduit work on Piedra Loop is being coordinated with a power project; it does not by itself mean the fiber phase has moved forward.
Another route off the hill
The County reported that the San Ildefonso fiber route had been built and tested. A long-term service agreement, Council approval and connection tasks still remained before the County could put the route into service. The County hoped to bring the agreement to Council before Thanksgiving; that was a target, not confirmation of approval or a service launch. Construction being complete is different from an active backup connection.
LANet also discussed a separate emergency layer using a REDINet wireless path and Starlink capacity. REDINet clarified that its emergency wireless arrangement discussed here is for LANet, not all providers on Atomic Fiber. Emergency backup has limited capacity and is intended to help maintain essential connectivity; it is not a promise of normal fiber speeds or uninterrupted service.
What happens at your home
- Review your address and request. LANet reviews availability and the next steps for your location.
- Discuss the route. Atomic Fiber described a scheduled property survey to agree on the entry point, equipment location and path across the property. Share irrigation, landscaping, driveway and access concerns.
- Prepare the connection. Utility locates, the outside drop and fiber work happen before final activation. Bonfire described before-and-after photographs and restoring affected areas as close as possible to their previous condition.
- Install and test. The indoor ONT needs power. The fiber connection is tested, and LANet connects the router and checks service. Keep your existing internet until the new connection is working.
Speakers also discussed aerial connections where appropriate, existing conduit and different construction methods. Your installation plan needs an individual review. Utility damage remains possible even with locates and precautions; the County described how crews respond when an incident occurs.
Who does what?
Los Alamos County owns the Atomic Fiber network. Bonfire builds and operates it. Internet providers, including LANet, deliver service to customers over that network. LANet also continues to operate and upgrade its own fiber and wireless network.
Plans, equipment and backup options
LANet discussed symmetrical fiber plans up to 5 Gig, with no contracts or data caps, an included managed router and the option to use your own compatible router. A wired Ethernet connection and compatible equipment help you make use of higher speeds. LANet also said public IP addresses are available; ask about the setup for your needs.
Emergency backup was described as included with business service and available as a $5-per-month residential option. A wireless backup connection and a router configured for automatic switching are separate equipment and setup questions. Confirm those details for your address.
Questions and next steps
Residents asked about construction phases, route preferences, apartment connections, using their own equipment and backup options. Bonfire explained that phases depend on neighborhood density, the main network route and distance from equipment hubs. There are three hubs: one in White Rock and two in Los Alamos. LANet asked Bonfire to review priority for Pajarito Acres in White Rock Phase 8. Bonfire said its engineering team was reviewing the request; no revised schedule was promised.
Check your address and pre-sign up for fiber updates. Pre-signup is free and does not book an installation or guarantee a queue position. Already on the list? You do not need to submit the same request again.
Read our installation guide, see project updates and maps, or ask a question in the Community Forum. For individual help, call or text (505) 412-6282 or email info@losalamosnetwork.com.
