new-mexico
Three More States Announce Broadband Projects
Posted September 17th, 2010 by BfA StaffAs new broadband projects continue to be announced across all 50 states, we’re bringing you a closer look at some of the efforts to bring high-speed Internet access to every American home and business. Here is a look at some of those new broadband projects being announced:
New Mexico Launches Two Major Broadband Expansion Projects
Posted August 17th, 2010 by BfA StaffBroadbandBreakfast.com reports that as part of the ongoing national broadband stimulus, the North Central New Mexico Economic Development District has been awarded $74.4 million in grants for a rural broadband expansion project. The funds are a joint effort from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Department of Agriculture.
The project will develop a “middle-mile” broadband deployment project across three New Mexico counties and five tribal areas, reaching 19,227 homes, 1,332 businesses and 123 community centers.
“High-speed Internet access is increasingly important for communities to thrive in the 21st century economy,” said NTIA Deputy Administrator Anna M. Gomez. “This Recovery Act investment will create jobs, support advances in education and healthcare, and help lay the groundwork for sustainable economic growth.”
A second effort will be run by the Kit Carson Electric Cooperative Fiber to the home project, which will bring broadband access to 20,500 homes, 3,600 businesses and 183 community institutions.
“This project will give rural New Mexico residents access to the broadband they need to attract new businesses, jobs, health care and educational opportunities,” said RUS Administrator Jonathan Adelstein. “It will enable Kit Carson to deploy cutting edge smart grid technology that will help cut electric bills and permit sustainable energy development.”
Read more about the projects here.
More Statewide Broadband Projects Getting Underway
Posted August 9th, 2010 by BfA StaffLast week, we brought you several stories of new statewide broadband projects getting underway as a result of the $1.2 billion being allocated by the USDA as part of the larger broadband stimulus. You can read about those projects here, here, here and here. Today, we bring you three more stories of how high-speed Internet is being used to connect businesses and homes across America:
New Mexico: $435, 500 has been awarded to Dell Telephone Cooperative Inc. to expand rural broadband access. Read more about the project here.
New York: $42 million will go toward five state projects designed to improve broadband infrastructure and adoption across the state. "This funding is a down-payment on a long-term goal to connect each and every one of the people of these counties to the internet," said Sen. Chuck Schumer. Read more about the projects here.
Navajo Nation Begins Major Broadband Expansion
Posted March 26th, 2010 by BfA StaffNavajo Nation communities in New Mexico, Arizona and Utah will receive $32 million in funding to expand broadband to the largest American Indian reservation. The Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) is providing an additional $11.3 million in matching funds.
Commerce Secretary Gary Locke made the announcement yesterday, saying the completed project will bring broadband access to 30,000 homes, 1,000 businesses and 1,100 community institutions. The project will cover more than 15,000 miles of Navajo Nation territory and create jobs through the construction of 530 miles of fiber cable.
"It's going to help us. Someone has said we're 30 years behind the times. I believe it. ... I see it," Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. said. "This infusion of new capital is going to bring us a long ways in terms of helping us to catch up with the mainstream."
Read the full Washington Post story here and The Daily Times story here.
18 States Announce Rural Broadband Infrastructure Projects
Posted March 5th, 2010 by BfA StaffU.S. Agricultural Secretary Tom Vilsack announced funding for 22 rural broadband infrastructure projects in more than 18 states yesterday. The projects are designed to create jobs now while also providing high-speed Internet access to improve employment and educational opportunities for years to come
"These broadband projects will provide rural America access to the tools it needs to attract new businesses, educational opportunities and jobs," Vilsack said. "The Obama Administration understands that bringing broadband to rural America is an economic gateway for people, business owners, and key institutions - such as libraries, hospitals, public safety buildings and community centers. Broadband is important for rural communities to remain strong in the 21st Century."
The federal grants are being matched by $13.1 million in private investment.
The states/areas receiving funding for the new projects are: Alaska, American Samoa, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Oklahoma, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Texas and West Virginia.
Below is a look at some of the specific state projects getting underway:
In Indiana: The state will receive nearly $12 million in loans and grants to bring broadband access to businesses, community organizations and homes in underserved state communities.
In Nevada: $4.7 million is being invested to upgrade 29 community centers with broadband access. The centers will also provide job training and language training courses.


