Commentary: Santa Fe, NM – The Senate passed House Bill 113 by Representative Jim Smith (R-Bernalillo, Sandoval and Santa Fe) and Senator Daniel Ivey-Soto (D-Bernalillo) which would increase access to reliable and affordable high-speed internet throughout New Mexico. The legislation would create a statewide broadband network and make it more attractive for providers to invest in broadband infrastructure by combining demand for internet access among public and education institutions.
Currently, the limited number of potential subscribers is the biggest inhibitor to broadband investment in underserved and rural communities across New Mexico. Nearby states who have consolidated demand among public institutions have seen lowered costs and increased access and speeds to homes and businesses. A Legislative Interim Jobs Council survey found broadband access to be the second biggest concern for New Mexico businesses.
“Connection speeds across New Mexico remain among the slowest in the country,” said Senator Ivey-Soto. “Today’s passage of HB113 makes it clear that we are serious about job creation and recognize the important role that broadband plays in getting people to work.”
“There isn’t an industry in New Mexico that will not benefit from the increased speeds and expanded connectivity that HB 113 will help provide,” said Representative Jim Smith. “This move will incentivize broadband infrastructure investment in the parts of New Mexico in most need of these services.”
Expanded access to high-speed broadband would attract new businesses to the state and give small businesses increased access to online marketplaces. According to the Federal Communication Commission study, even a 7% increase in broadband adoption could create an estimated 15,000 jobs to New Mexico.
House Bill 113 returned to the House of Representatives for concurrence where the chamber agreed with Senate amendments without objection.