Question 1

What is Atomic Fiber?

Accepted Answer

Atomic Fiber is a community-owned, open-access fiber-optic network being built by Los Alamos County for residents and businesses in Los Alamos and White Rock. It delivers symmetrical internet speeds of up to 8 Gbps.

Question 2

What does 'open access' mean?

Accepted Answer

Open access means Los Alamos County owns the physical fiber infrastructure, but multiple Internet Service Providers (ISPs) deliver service over it. You choose your provider, and you can switch anytime without needing a new installation.

Question 3

Will this work in White Rock?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Atomic Fiber is planned for both the Los Alamos townsite and White Rock. Deployment phases for specific neighborhoods will be announced as construction timelines are finalized.

Question 4

How does this relate to Los Alamos County?

Accepted Answer

Los Alamos County is the owner and builder of the fiber network. Think of it like roads or water infrastructure. The county builds and maintains the network, while private ISPs deliver the service.

Question 5

What about existing providers?

Accepted Answer

Existing providers may choose to offer service on the open-access network. The goal is more competition and more choice for residents, not fewer options.

Question 6

What speeds will be available?

Accepted Answer

Atomic Fiber plans to offer symmetrical speeds from 250 Mbps up to 8 Gbps. All speeds are symmetrical, meaning your upload speed matches your download speed.

Question 7

How much will it cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing will be set by the ISPs competing on the network. Because multiple providers compete for your business, prices are expected to be competitive. Specific pricing will be announced as the network is deployed.

Question 8

Will construction affect my neighborhood?

Accepted Answer

Fiber installation involves some temporary construction activity. Los Alamos County will communicate construction schedules in advance and work to minimize disruption to residents and traffic.

Question 9

Can I sign up now?

Accepted Answer

You can register your interest and check your address on the Coverage page. You will be notified as deployment reaches your neighborhood.

Question 10

Why fiber instead of wireless or satellite?

Accepted Answer

Fiber-optic cable delivers the fastest, most reliable internet with the lowest latency. Unlike wireless or satellite, fiber performance does not degrade with distance, weather, or the number of users. And it lasts 50+ years.