Tribal lands in New Mexico will reap the benefit of connectivity with a $100M to $700M federal broadband investment. Government Technology reported that political leaders and broadband officials at a recent summit discussed extending service to underserved areas.
The funding will positively impact many rural and tribal communities throughout the state. According to Laurence Peña, the director of economic development planning for San Ildefonso LLC, “It’s necessary for our overall economic development plan” for the 800 people living on the pueblo 20 miles north of Santa Fe. Peña added that 60 percent of the pueblo has no broadband access, and the other 40 percent has limited access.
Government Technology reported that one in four state residents (400,000 people) lack broadband access. The state is ranked among the bottom 10 in the nation regarding affordable internet access, according to BroadbandNow.
The pandemic drew attention to the delta between those connected versus not. Residents lacking high-speed broadband had difficulty accessing virtual health services and ensuring their children and grandchildren could do homework online, said Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM).
The federal funding will be announced by the end of June with the expectation that New Mexico will submit its five-year plan in late August. Peña hopes the pueblo can start building its broadband infrastructure in the fall, with a goal of having full internet up and running by spring 2024, reported Government Technology. “It’s part of bringing us together; it makes sure we are connected to everyone else,” he said.
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