American Rescue Plan Helps Connect New Mexico

New Mexico relies on broadband to connect its extensive rural areas and important rural industries. Quality broadband connections allow the oil and gas industry to operate more safely and efficiently than ever before, and enhanced broadband can enable cost-saving measures without compromising safety. Similarly, large ranches and farms require broadband for high-end uses such as precision agriculture applications and robotic harvesters. Smaller ranches and farms need quality broadband connections for many of the same reasons as other small business owners, including direct sales; marketing and logistical management; professional training; and providing their families with health care, educational, and social opportunities. For over a decade, New Mexico has been taking steps to improve broadband in all areas of the state. But state broadband programs have struggled because of a lack of consistent funding and clear mandates. In 2020, CTC Technology & Energy estimated it will cost between $2 billion and $5 billion to bring fiber-based broadband to all of rural New Mexico. This month, New Mexico received over $100 million through the federal American Rescue Plan Act's Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund to fuel broadband deployment.