New Mexico recently received a $5.7 million federal grant to increase internet availability throughout the state.
Approximately 400,000 people in New Mexico lack the digital access they need, according to a KRQE report.
“Usually with grants, there are no or very few planning dollars allotted,” Barbara Cottam with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)told KRQE. “This is a grant specifically for planning. This will help the New Mexico State Broadband office develop their plan, hire staff, and consultants, engage the community, (and) get the resources they need to put their plan together.”
The state broadband office will oversee the creation of the plan and submit it, KRQE reported. Once that is completed, the state will be eligible for at least $100 million to implement the plan. Over the past year, the NTIA has invested more than $150 million in various projects to improve internet access across the state.
New Mexico has received an estimated $300 million through federal funding and donations to improve broadband connectivity, according to KRQE.
“It’s a necessity,” Kelly Schlegel, New Mexico broadband director, told KRQE.
Everybody must have reliable broadband connectivity to do their work, have fun and support their families, Schlegel said.
The state has five years to use the $100 million toward its projects. Officials told KRQE it can cost up to $5,000 to run broadband to a rural home. They estimate it will take $5 billion to connect all of New Mexico.
