WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall today announced that the New Mexico Department of Technology is set to receive nearly $2 million in funding for broadband planning and expansion throughout New Mexico from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) awarded New Mexico $1.4 million for a two-year period for broadband data collection and mapping activities and $500,000 over a five year period for broadband planning.
"Every aspect of our nation's future - from the education our children to creating cutting-edge jobs - is increasingly built upon broadband technology. This investment will help our state ensure we are on track to having this key technology in place," Bingaman said.
Udall, a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee said, "This Recovery funding will provide the Department of Technology with the resources to lay the groundwork for broadband connections throughout New Mexico. Expanding broadband access will help connect our communities, keep them informed and grow small businesses in the state."
This federal program will help New Mexico increase broadband access and adoption through better data collection and broadband planning. The data will be displayed in NTIA's national broadband map, a tool that will inform policymakers' efforts and provide consumers with improved information on broadband internet services available to them.
The Department of Information Technology is the designated entity for the state of New Mexico.
