From rl at 1st-mile.org Mon Jan 4 09:10:06 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Mon, 04 Jan 2021 09:10:06 -0800 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] FCC Grants Additional 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Priority Window Licenses Message-ID: <9e8876e93a6f579008ed6466af8f8f73@1st-mile.org> Pueblo of Isleta has been added to the list of FCC licensed tribes in this four corners states region. https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-grants-additional-25-ghz-rural-tribal-priority-window-licenses R. --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Mon Jan 4 16:17:07 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Mon, 04 Jan 2021 16:17:07 -0800 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] CARES Act Funding Goes Toward Expanding New Mexico Broadband Message-ID: Redi-Net, a community broadband network owned and operated by local and tribal governments, will be tasked with installing the infrastructure that local officials say will benefit areas with limited connectivity. BY ISABELLA ALVES, ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL / DECEMBER 14, 2020 https://www.govtech.com/network/CARES-Act-Funding-Goes-Toward-Expanding-New-Mexico-Broadband.html (TNS) ? Having an internet connection may seem like a given for most people. Most of us use it for work, entertainment and basic necessities in a 21st Century world. But for people living in rural areas, broadband connection is not only not always a given, but also sometimes is not even available. This is the reality for many people living in rural northern New Mexico, including parts of Santa Fe County. The Santa Fe County Commission recently approved up to $1 million in CARES Act funding to expand broadband infrastructure along N.M. 76 from east of Espa?ola to Chimay?. Redi-Net, a community broadband network owned and operated by local and tribal governments, will be tasked with installing the infrastructure that local officials say will benefit schools, businesses and residents in areas that have limited connectivity, or none at all. Espa?ola Public Schools Superintendent Fred Trujillo said the expansion will have a huge impact on the Chimay? community and the students living in that area. "More importantly, it's going to affect the community of Chimay? itself simply because now there's going to be an outlet for them to have some type of affordable internet accessibility," he said. Since the pandemic began, the district has determined that about a third of its students don't have internet access, prompting it to set up hot spots to offer free internet in school parking lots. Still, it can be incredibly difficult to get signals in such areas as Chimay?, 16 miles east of Espa?ola. Learning that broadband would be expanded into the area was some of the best news the district has gotten in a long time, Trujillo said. There are quite a few students that attend Chimay? Elementary School, he said. "I can only hope that we will see it not only expanding through Santa Fe County that has part of our district, but also to Rio Arriba County and all of northern New Mexico," Trujillo said. "We have seen across the state that rural New Mexico has some access problems with the internet. And so, hopefully, we'll start seeing more of these funds being utilized to bring that access to more communities." Prioritizing broadband For Commissioner Anna Hansen , broadband access isn't a new issue. She ran for office in 2016 on a campaign platform that included increasing broadband access. "I realize this is really serious, because here we have people who are willing to pay and they can't get broadband," said Hansen, who represents District 2, which includes some of the county's more upscale neighborhoods northwest of Santa Fe. "We don't have fiber in the ground out there." The lack of connectivity affects her constituents in Las Campanas and La Tierra Nueva , she said. For example, one resident of La Tierra Nueva had a job tutoring children. But she was unable to get an internet connection strong enough to stay online. Some of the communities in that part of the county rely on older copper wire technology for their internet, Redi-Net board member Jerrold Baca says. And the farther away from the source, the slower the speed. Neighborhoods in the area are beautiful and the homes are far apart, but it's horrible for technology, he said. Redi-Net tried to service those areas, but ran into easement struggles with covenants. The residents love their community and don't want to see powerlines hanging on poles, Baca said. Another option would be to bury the fiber optic cable underground, but navigating around existing infrastructure can be difficult and it's much more costly, he said. Jon Ehret , La Tierra Nueva Homeowner's Association board member, said the board has heard more about broadband service from residents recently. He said the main service provider in the area is NMSurf, which does a pretty good job and has few outages. People in the area northwest of N.M. 599 would like to have better service, but residents are realistic about their service options due to where they choose to live, he said. Henry Roybal , who chairs the Santa Fe County Commission and represents District 1 at the north end of the county, said improving broadband service is a priority for the County Commission. He says the funding approved by the commission will have a huge impact on the constituents living in that area. He knows this from personal experience. Some of his nieces and nephews came to live with him for a couple of weeks because they didn't have internet service at their homes to access their online schooling. 'One stop shop' The Dec. 1 commission meeting featured a presentation from Redi-Net Chairman Raymond Ortiz , who went over how Redi-Net plans and engineers broadband projects. Ortiz said Redi-Net has shovel-ready projects it prepares in advance and then reaches out to local governments to implement them. Redi-Net is a quasi-government organization that partners with local government to expand broadband infrastructure. This type of setup works well because the company is owned and operated by a consortium of local and tribal governments and isn't profit-driven. "You can't have that level of freedom and control, and that level of movement, to make some of the decisions we've made here at Redi-Net if you're constantly beholden to some corporate entity that's taking the profits and throwing them somewhere else," he said. Redi-Net started about 14 years ago to help expand broadband in northern New Mexico. In some areas, the broadband connection is subpar, in others, it's completely nonexistent, Ortiz told the Journal in an interview. For example, the community of Cundiyo doesn't have broadband. Redi-Net is currently working with the community for permission to set up a tower to service that area, he said. Ortiz described Redi-Net as a "one stop shop" for broadband service because the organization can engineer and plan broadband projects, as well as do installations. When Redi-Net completes a broadband project, the entities, be they Santa Fe County or Santa Clara Pueblo, own it. Baca, Redi-Net board member for the Santa Clara Pueblo, said the pandemic has highlighted the need for high-speed internet. In the past, the internet was fast enough to download movies, but people aren't doing that as much any more. These days, most people stream movies, use the internet when working from home and their children are using it to access virtual classes. Part of the project along N.M. 76 will bring service to Santa Clara Pueblo. Baca said the pueblo's decision to join Redi-Net came down to faith in the technology and understanding who it's going to serve. "All pueblos are very aware of the cultural aspect to it of the sacred sites," he said. "You don't want a big beautiful view ruined by a 75-foot tower. But Santa Clara was understanding of, one, the need for it, and, two, the faith that Redi-Net would address the cultural respect that (the pueblo) deserves." Potential to expand Chris Hyer , Redi-Net board member for Santa Fe County, said the county has been able to identify another project they can do with CARES Act money. It includes installing broadband in the Santa Cruz area and serving the crisis center on the McCurdy Charter School campus. The project would also go to public housing, the community center and the Boys and Girls Club in that area, he said. The money the Santa Fe County Commission approved will also be used to build "off ramps" of fiber off N.M. 76 to serve such communities as Truchas, Cordova, Namb? and others. "It's really hard to get an understanding of what Redi-Net is because it's the only place, I think, in the world where you have sovereign nations, counties, municipalities plus council of governments all coming together, working together, to where we share all our easements and everything together. And we all try to benefit each other," Hyer said. Generally speaking, access to broadband isn't considered a government function, which may be part of the problem, Joseph R. Montoya , Santa Fe County Housing Authority executive director, said. To help install fiber, the county is looking at a dig-once policy, he said. That means when the county is building a road, for instance, it would install utility lines at the same time. This saves money, while also ensuring areas have the utility connections they need. For the most part, internet has been a private sector initiative, he said. However, there are communities, such as Ammon, Idaho, that have taken it upon themselves to create their own citywide fiber network for residents, Baca said. In 2008, the Ammon City Council declared internet a city utility and, in 2016, got judicial confirmation. Now, Ammon has some of the lowest internet costs in the county. In 2018, residents connected to the city's fiber network paid an average of $16 a month for access. That's a model Baca said Redi-Net has studied and it has been in contact with Ammon to discuss their fiber strategies. "That is a great goal of Redi-Net," said Hyer. "We're quasi-governmental. We're volunteers; none of us is paid. We're not here to make money. We're here to provide the service for the community." --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Fri Jan 8 12:18:58 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Fri, 08 Jan 2021 12:18:58 -0800 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Sacred Wind Communications completes 180-mile fiber project connecting Albuquerque and Gallup Message-ID: <2c5e4c94deecb411adf7d9f6ccb93986@1st-mile.org> Sacred Wind Communications completes 180-mile fiber project connecting Albuquerque and Gallup By Chris Keller ? Managing Editor, Albuquerque Business First Jan 6, 2021 https://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/news/2021/01/06/sacred-wind-communications-celebrates-completion.html Residential and business internet customers from Albuquerque to Gallup and everywhere in between stand to benefit from a new fiber optic line that Sacred Wind Communications has completed. About 10 years in the making, the completed project offers a level of redundancy previously unavailable. The Sacred Wind line doubles up an existing network between Albuquerque and Gallup, meaning a network outage along that line won't necessarily take residential, business and institutional customers offline. The network also boasts speeds that are future proofed, said Sacred Wind Communications CEO John Badal. The network, which went online about two weeks ago, offers speeds up to 38 terabytes, but capacity can grow beyond that exponentially as technology demands increase. "You could operate a dozen Sandia labs on that network and not run out of capacity," Badal said. Wednesday, flanked online by business and legislative leaders, Badal and his team celebrated the end of the project and the beginning of what they hope will be a technological revolution all the way to the Arizona border. New Mexico ranks above only Mississippi in terms of internet access, according to 2019 U.S. Census data. Nearly 18% of households lacked internet access of any kind. About 12.4% relied on a cellular connection to reach online resources. Because of the state's size and rural geography, fast, reliable internet connectivity can make the difference for rural business opportunities, remote learning capabilities and access to virtual medical appointments. As such, access to broadband in New Mexico has long been a legislative and commercial priority. However, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated New Mexico's digital divide as the need for broadband access skyrocketed. Brenda Curtright, the executive director of the Grants/Cibola County Chamber of Commerce, said in an interview that the project is significant. "In our small little town, and for the towns on the outskirts, this is a big deal," said Curtright, who has led the Chamber of Commerce for a couple of months. The opportunity to connect more of the state was not lost on Sacred Wind Communications. Badal said the Albuquerque to Gallup line takes a less-than-direct route that passes through tribal lands and smaller villages in Cibola and McKinley counties that lacked broadband access. It fits in with the mission the Albuquerque-based telecommunications company has staked out: bringing telephone and internet service to the many thousands of unserved homes on Navajo lands. In November, Sacred Wind brought internet connectivity to about 38 locations in a remote development north of To?hajiilee, and installed infrastructure that could reach another 58 homes in the near future. Eight of the most remote of these homes have had no prior access to telecommunication services. "We call ourselves a rural telco with a Fortune 500 attitude," Badal said. "We're thinking about the next level of technology and mimicking what a larger national company would do." Wednesday's celebration was largely ceremonial. Badal said the network has been up and running, and customers have had access, for two weeks. Work to identify the route and secure the right-of-way for the fiber-optic line began some 10 years ago. The project took shape once the route came together and the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2016 announced a $13.8 million loan, Badal said. The loan covered upgrades to existing broadband infrastructure, engineering, planning and other aspects associated with the project. But it didn't cover costs for environmental and archaeological studies, or to secure right-of-way easements. Badal called that portion of the project the most difficult. Sacred Wind worked with nearly a dozen jurisdictions, entities that ranged from federal, state, local and tribal governments to private landowners. In the end, the company buried about 90% of the fiber-optic lines along the 180-mile route. The remaining 10% uses existing pole infrastructure. To complete its fiber-optic line between Albuquerque and Gallup, Sacred Wind Communications worked with nearly a dozen jurisdictions, entities that ranged from federal, state, local and tribal governments to private land owners. In the end, the company buried about 90% of the fiber-optic lines along the 180-mile route. The remaining 10% uses existing pole infrastructure. Sacred Wind is a certified employee-owned company with a payroll of about 50 people. The bulk of its employees are Navajo. The company has more than 3,000 customers, and over the past 13 years has expanded its network so it can reach 10,000 homes. --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Fri Jan 8 16:19:25 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Fri, 08 Jan 2021 16:19:25 -0800 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Community Learning Network: 2021 ArcGIS Competition Message-ID: <361f4cee3fce40f7ce6477156e266693@1st-mile.org> 2021 ArcGIS Competition Jennifer Case Nevarez/John DiRuggiero, Community Learning Network Community Learning Network (CLN) is tagged by Esri as the lead in New Mexico to launching the 2021 ArcGIS Online Competition for high school and middle school students grades 4?12. Check out the information below. Contact Jennifer/John for more info. - Information: https://www.communitylearningnetwork.org/2021-arcgis-competition.html - Contact Jennifer and John: info at teachingwithgis.com - Register Your School: https://arcg.is/0iv8TO --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Sun Jan 10 15:43:25 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Sun, 10 Jan 2021 15:43:25 -0800 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] NM DoIT Broadband Program Activities Message-ID: <289221964262d45ffba3759bb2713602@1st-mile.org> Attached: BROADBAND ACTIVITIES NM Broadband Program Department of Information Technology December 2020 --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: NMBBP_ Activities_R9.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 180822 bytes Desc: not available URL: From ewhitmore at gmail.com Mon Jan 11 09:18:29 2021 From: ewhitmore at gmail.com (Eric Renz-Whitmore) Date: Mon, 11 Jan 2021 10:18:29 -0700 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] NM DoIT Broadband Program Activities In-Reply-To: <289221964262d45ffba3759bb2713602@1st-mile.org> References: <289221964262d45ffba3759bb2713602@1st-mile.org> Message-ID: Hey... I don't often chime in here (almost never!), but appreciate the ongoing effort to keep everyone connected and informed. Thanks Richard! On Sun, Jan 10, 2021 at 4:43 PM Richard Lowenberg wrote: > Attached: > BROADBAND ACTIVITIES > NM Broadband Program > Department of Information Technology > December 2020 > > > > > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > > ---------------------------------------------------------------_______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > -- ___ Eric Renz-Whitmore community centered economic development twitter: @ewhitmore cell: (505) 227-1086 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From owen at backspaces.net Mon Jan 11 12:12:10 2021 From: owen at backspaces.net (Owen Densmore) Date: Mon, 11 Jan 2021 13:12:10 -0700 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] NM DoIT Broadband Program Activities In-Reply-To: References: <289221964262d45ffba3759bb2713602@1st-mile.org> Message-ID: I agree! Note that John DiRuggiero is a DOT expert and Refish contributor, and referred to in the pdf. -- Owen On Mon, Jan 11, 2021 at 10:21 AM Eric Renz-Whitmore wrote: > Hey... > > I don't often chime in here (almost never!), but appreciate the ongoing > effort to keep everyone connected and informed. > > Thanks Richard! > > On Sun, Jan 10, 2021 at 4:43 PM Richard Lowenberg wrote: > >> Attached: >> BROADBAND ACTIVITIES >> NM Broadband Program >> Department of Information Technology >> December 2020 >> >> >> >> >> >> --------------------------------------------------------------- >> Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director >> 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 >> Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, >> rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org >> >> ---------------------------------------------------------------_______________________________________________ >> 1st-mile-nm mailing list >> 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org >> http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm >> > > > -- > ___ > > Eric Renz-Whitmore > community centered economic development > > twitter: @ewhitmore > cell: (505) 227-1086 > > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From rl at 1st-mile.org Tue Jan 12 09:53:28 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Tue, 12 Jan 2021 09:53:28 -0800 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Fwd: RFP / E-rate Opportunities now on the street. In-Reply-To: <1IYT1000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000QMU1BU00ldaw6pPhQmyzqGIy27_VIA@sfdc.net> References: <1IYT1000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000QMU1BU00ldaw6pPhQmyzqGIy27_VIA@sfdc.net> Message-ID: <1a6be9d510e4c516635ef752a7d2ad5e@1st-mile.org> -------- Original Message -------- Subject: RFP / E-rate Opportunities now on the street. Date: 2021-01-12 09:45 From: Jerry Smith To: "rl at 1st-mile.org" To: All our ISP-type Contacts across New Mexico Greetings and Happy New Year! Here is quick update from PSFA related to RFP / E-rate Opportunities now on the street. Latest RFP to go live is "North Central Consortium - Phase 2". https://sites.google.com/roadrunnernm.org/rfps/home You can access all RFP's via this page, and the select menu (upper right). Thank you for reviewing these and considering a response. NOTE: The pre-proposal meeting for North Central Consortium RFP is this Friday, 1/15 at 10am. Hope to see some of you there! Regards, Jerry Smith Technology Projects Manager: Broadband (BDCP) Public School Facilities Authority (PSFA) State of New Mexico (working from home) jsmith at nmpsfa.org http://www.nmpsfa.org/?q=broadband 1312 Basehart Rd SE, Suite 200 Albuquerque, NM 87106-4365 --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Thu Jan 14 12:11:11 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Thu, 14 Jan 2021 12:11:11 -0800 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Fwd: E-rate Opportunities for Your Consideration (Category 1) In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <768e2bf0d2ade72c717db8646ac479f2@1st-mile.org> -------- Original Message -------- Subject: E-rate Opportunities for Your Consideration (Category 1) Date: 2021-01-14 11:54 From: Jerry Smith To: "rl at 1st-mile.org" To: All PSFA E-rate Category 1 Vendor Contacts Here is a brief email to let you know about E-rate Category 1 (Internet) opportunities coming from year 2 of our Charter Schools emphasis, where we are making sure charter schools take full advantage of E-rate funding and get their procurements done properly. Provided below is the link to a web page where all PSFA-assisted charter schools projects / opportunities are listed: https://sites.google.com/roadrunnernm.org/charterprojects/charter-home Note that there are a couple of entries on the page linked above that are listed as "coming soon". Be sure to check back for updates, for new link info to those additional opportunities. I apologize for short notice via this communication method. You will find that the due date for proposals for one of the opportunities, for the schools represented in the ACES consortium, is tomorrow, Friday. Hopefully you were monitoring these via the E-rate Form 470 posting feed and were already aware and prepared for sending in your proposals. We do appreciate your consideration in how you might respond and support our schools. Regards, Jerry Smith Technology Projects Manager: Broadband (BDCP) Public School Facilities Authority (PSFA) State of New Mexico 505-468-0266 (Office) jsmith at nmpsfa.org http://www.nmpsfa.org/?q=broadband 1312 Basehart Rd SE, Suite 200 Albuquerque, NM 87106-4365 -- --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Thu Feb 11 09:24:19 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Thu, 11 Feb 2021 09:24:19 -0800 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] NM DOT Steps in to Assist in Broadband Expansion Message-ID: <58613c44e606a8d7fc1ace8dba3e7c52@1st-mile.org> New Mexico DOT Steps in to Assist in Broadband Expansion The state Department of Transportation is exploring ways to update fiber optic infrastructure during road construction. The pandemic has put special focus on connectivity gaps in the state and across the country. BY NICOLE MAXWELL, ALAMOGORDO DAILY NEWS / FEBRUARY 10, 2021 https://www.govtech.com/network/New-Mexico-DOT-Steps-in-to-Assist-in-Broadband-Expansion.html (TNS) ? Vulnerabilities in New Mexico's Internet infrastructure, revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic, led the New Mexico Department of Transportation to assist with the expansion of rural broadband. ?The pandemic forced New Mexico to rely heavily on Internet access, making broadband even more essential,? Transportation Secretary Mike Sandoval said. ?Digital expansion has been a passion project of the department for a while, but the urgent need for telecommuting, distance learning and telemedicine has fueled the drive to make Internet access for every New Mexican a reality.? The Department of Transportation (DOT) is exploring ways to update fiber optic infrastructure during road construction, a state Department of Transportation news release states. ?As existing roads are reconstructed, there?s an opportunity to install fiber conduit while the road is torn up, so you?re not digging twice, which minimizes the impact on the environment,? Sandoval said. ?Building both literal and digital highways will provide innovative, sustainable infrastructure that serves the entire state.? DOT partnered with the New Mexico Economic Development Department to conduct a broadband infrastructure assessment to evaluate the connectivity opportunities for rural New Mexico and will identify the same prospects for the state?s transportation needs, a news release from the DOT read. "Additional fiber infrastructure would also enhance the department?s Intelligent Transportation Systems, known as ITS, which allows the New Mexico Department of Transportation to install additional digital message boards, cameras and weather sensors, to provide real-time road condition information through the NMRoads application," the news release states. As the one year anniversary of public schools pivoting to virtual approaches, anything that would help students access education is a good thing, Alamogordo Public Schools Deputy Superintendent Cara Malone said. "Currently we have some families without Internet or consistent Internet," Malone said. "We have handed out hot spots to those who qualify, which has made a tremendous difference for everyone as we support our students in learning." Alamogordo Public Schools began distributing Wi-Fi-hot spots to households in need on Jan. 4. In summer 2020, Alamogordo Public Schools partnered with Otero County to install Wi-Fi hot spots across the county which help with virtual learning for those who do not have ready access to affordable Internet access. --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Thu Feb 18 13:09:25 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Thu, 18 Feb 2021 14:09:25 -0700 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] New Mexico making gains toward bridging digital divide in education Message-ID: <03d64e3af3998712b5b53b3d270145a3@1st-mile.org> New Mexico making gains toward bridging digital divide in education By James Barron jbarron at sfnewmexican.com Feb 17, 2021 https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/coronavirus/new-mexico-making-gains-toward-bridging-digital-divide-in-education/article_6340b6b2-7135-11eb-b1f5-279567ec722f.html Kimball Sekaquaptewa relayed a story that underscored the internet connectivity crisis many students in New Mexico have faced over the past year. Sekaquaptewa, the chief technology officer at Santa Fe Indian School, spoke of a student who suffered heatstroke in the fall as he sat outside a Wi-Fi hot spot in his community because he lacked internet access at home. During a virtual roundtable Tuesday with members of the New Mexico Homework Gap Team, hosted by U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luj?n, she said the need to expand broadband access to rural areas of the state, especially Native communities, has never been higher. The team is a mix of state, federal and nonprofit leaders created to help solve students? home connectivity issues. ?We all know that those things can?t continue,? Sekaquaptewa said. ?But I think we have great momentum for long-term solutions here. If there is a silver lining, it?s that the state and the tribes are creating long-term solutions.? Luj?n said it is important to keep the connectivity issue on the front burner because 1 in 4 students lacks a reliable or any internet connection. He added that his role on the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will help him be a voice in confronting the challenges of providing internet access in rural areas. ?I still don?t understand how someone can board a plane in Los Angeles, stay connected at 30,000 feet, fly over rural America and land in New York, and they stay connected to the internet at a decent speed,? Luj?n said. ?Why can?t we stay connected to all those rural communities you?re flying over??? Team members said the state is making gains in improving internet access in some areas. John Chadwick, education technology coordinator for the state Public Education Department, said local internet service providers have helped provide connectivity in areas of Northern New Mexico ? specifically in Pe?asco and communities north of Taos, thanks to Kit Carson Electric Cooperative. However, he pointed out terrain can affect the quality of internet access, and companies might have to navigate several jurisdictions to provide some rural areas with fiber-optic cable, which can be a daunting process. ?It?s going across what?s considered the checkerboard, which is a mixture of private land, federal land and tribal land,? Chadwick said. ?I?m not sure what the history is behind that, but it is an issue.? Brent Nelson, the information technology director for the Navajo Nation Department of Din? Education, said price and internet quality also are issues, especially for Native families. He said there is a need to make high-speed internet available to Navajo students. While progress is being made, he emphasized many students are still being shut out of online classrooms because they either lack internet access or speed to stay online. ?Navajo Nation has struggled with these challenges for decades,? Nelson said. ?Despite the fact that we are experiencing a historic public health crisis that has threatened the basic existence of our culture and our families, we are facing increased limitations to remain connected during mandatory quarantine periods.? Chadwick said the Federal Communications Commission?s required minimum download-to-upload speed ratio of 25-to-3 megabits of data per second is inadequate, especially for larger families. He added the need to upgrade internet access is almost as important as providing it to needed areas. ?If you have one student in the household, it might work some of the time,? Chadwick said. ?If you have multistudent households, it is not going to work. ? We need better standards.? --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Tue Mar 2 12:34:15 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Tue, 02 Mar 2021 13:34:15 -0700 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants in NM Message-ID: Three awards were announced in New Mexico. Feb. 25, 2021 https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/news-release/usda-invests-42-million-distance-learning-and-telemedicine-infrastructure-9 New Mexico Highlands University: $510,363 This Rural Development investment will be used to create a distance learning hub/enduser site at the main campus in Las Vegas, and at a second end-user site in Mora, N.M. The system will eliminate barriers to higher education for residents of remote communities in San Miguel and Mora counties. This funding will enable New Mexico Highlands University to offer remote courses and to implement remote student support programs (especially for STEM students). In addition to equipping the remote site, the project will fund the purchase of computers configured specifically for distance learning. These computers will be loaned to students. The Mora site also be made available to community members for activities such as workforce development. Tanya V Marin PC: $263,640 This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase telemedicine equipment to help Santa Teresa Children's Day and Night Clinic implement a comprehensive healthcare and wellness programs. Six fully-equipped and upgraded telemedicine carts will be provided to five hub/end-user sites. These sites include three elementary schools and two community clinics. Each site will have the capacity to receive primary care services for children and adults, women's health, and mental health and behavior services, including substance misuse prevention and treatment. The sites are expected to serve approximately 14,000 people in Dona Ana, Socorro, Sierra and Union counties. Ben Archer Health Center Inc.: $153,963 This Rural Development investment will be used to provide remote medical, dental and behavioral health care services for underserved and uninsured patients, and distance learning education for health care professionals in Dona Ana, Luna, Otero and Sierra counties. An interactive system involving telemedicine carts with accessories will enable live audio-video interactions between health care professionals and patients. Teleconference equipment for conference rooms will facilitate distance learning and group sessions, and laptops for medical, dental and behavioral providers will be used to provide services to patients in rural communities. --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From tom at jtjohnson.com Tue Mar 2 12:44:57 2021 From: tom at jtjohnson.com (Tom Johnson) Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2021 13:44:57 -0700 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants in NM In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Any idea what the details would be here: "...project will fund the purchase of computers *configured specifically for distance learning*"? TJ ============================================ Tom Johnson - tom at jtjohnson.com Institute for Analytic Journalism -- Santa Fe, NM USA 505.577.6482(c) 505.473.9646(h) *NM Foundation for Open Government* *Check out It's The People's Data * ============================================ On Tue, Mar 2, 2021 at 1:34 PM Richard Lowenberg wrote: > Three awards were announced in New Mexico. > > Feb. 25, 2021 > > https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/news-release/usda-invests-42-million-distance-learning-and-telemedicine-infrastructure-9 > > New Mexico Highlands University: $510,363 > This Rural Development investment will be used to create a distance > learning hub/enduser site at the main campus in Las Vegas, and at a > second end-user site in Mora, N.M. The system will eliminate barriers > to higher education for residents of remote communities in San Miguel > and Mora counties. This funding will enable New Mexico Highlands > University to offer remote courses and to implement remote student > support programs (especially for STEM students). In addition to > equipping the remote site, the project will fund the purchase of > computers configured specifically for distance learning. These computers > will be loaned to students. The Mora site also be made available to > community members for activities such as workforce development. > > Tanya V Marin PC: $263,640 > This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase telemedicine > equipment to help Santa Teresa Children's Day and Night Clinic implement > a comprehensive healthcare and wellness programs. Six fully-equipped and > upgraded telemedicine carts will be provided to five hub/end-user sites. > These sites include three elementary schools and two community clinics. > Each site will have the capacity to receive primary care services for > children and adults, women's health, and mental health and behavior > services, including substance misuse prevention and treatment. The sites > are expected to serve approximately 14,000 people in Dona Ana, Socorro, > Sierra and Union counties. > > Ben Archer Health Center Inc.: $153,963 > This Rural Development investment will be used to provide remote > medical, dental and > behavioral health care services for underserved and uninsured patients, > and distance learning education for health care professionals in Dona > Ana, Luna, Otero and Sierra counties. An interactive system involving > telemedicine carts with accessories will enable live audio-video > interactions between health care professionals and patients. > Teleconference equipment for conference rooms will facilitate distance > learning and group sessions, and laptops for medical, dental and > behavioral providers will be used to provide services to patients in > rural communities. > > > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > --------------------------------------------------------------- > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From josmon at rigozsaurus.com Tue Mar 2 13:05:48 2021 From: josmon at rigozsaurus.com (John Osmon) Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2021 14:05:48 -0700 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] NM DoT rule changes? Message-ID: <20210302210548.GC11700@jeeves.rigozsaurus.com> This should be of interested to folks here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-new-mexicos-internet This stems from a notice of proposed rulemaking: https://dot.state.nm.us/content/nmdot/en/public-notices.html#1742 The proposed NMDOT Broadband and Telecommunications Manual is here: https://dot.state.nm.us/content/dam/nmdot/utilities/Telecomm_Manual.pdf From john at citylinkfiber.com Tue Mar 2 13:53:12 2021 From: john at citylinkfiber.com (John Brown) Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2021 14:53:12 -0700 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] NM DoT rule changes? In-Reply-To: <20210302210548.GC11700@jeeves.rigozsaurus.com> References: <20210302210548.GC11700@jeeves.rigozsaurus.com> Message-ID: I see a number of issues here. 1. It has become clear that this Covid pandemic has highlighted the fact that there is NOT ENOUGH broadband in our state. Why is the State / Feds wanting to INCREASE and CHARGE MORE for the deployment of broadband services ??? 2. Why are Electrical, Water, Gas also not being charged similarly increased rates ??? 3. The term ADT doesn't appear to be defined in the Broadband manual..... 4. Assuming ADT is Average Daily Traffic, ergo the number of cars that go based some point on a road, this metric is BIASED AGAINST WISP providers. WISP (Wireless Internet Service Provider), not to be confused with Celluar Service, provide service based on FIXED (otherwords not mobile) microwave signals. Customers are located at a physical fixed non moving location. There are only so many physical customers you can connect to a single site. After that the site is "full". In summary this seems like a money grab by NMDOT since Telecom is the hot thing right now....... More State barriers to entry for providers, existing or new. Not a good thing!!!!!! On Tue, Mar 2, 2021 at 2:06 PM John Osmon wrote: > > This should be of interested to folks here: > https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-new-mexicos-internet > > This stems from a notice of proposed rulemaking: > https://dot.state.nm.us/content/nmdot/en/public-notices.html#1742 > > The proposed NMDOT Broadband and Telecommunications Manual is here: > https://dot.state.nm.us/content/dam/nmdot/utilities/Telecomm_Manual.pdf > > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm -- Respectfully, John Brown, CISSP Managing Member, CityLink Telecommunications NM, LLC From jbadal at sacredwindnm.com Tue Mar 2 17:15:07 2021 From: jbadal at sacredwindnm.com (John Badal) Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2021 01:15:07 +0000 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] NM DoT rule changes? In-Reply-To: References: <20210302210548.GC11700@jeeves.rigozsaurus.com> Message-ID: Every broadband provider in the state should state their opinion on this. Because of NM's quirky regulatory history - one of only two states in the country at the time with 2 regulatory commissions - electric and gas companies were regulated as utilities by the NM PSC and had rights of eminent domain, while telecom was regulated by the NM SCC and was classified differently and no rights of eminent domain. The NM DoIT is perpetuating the anachronism by granting what looks like immunity to the "utilities" based on their eminent domain rights while ignoring the importance - the eminence -- of broadband to the NM public. This is simply public policy run amok. Your state legislators need to know this. John -----Original Message----- From: 1st-mile-nm <1st-mile-nm-bounces at mailman.dcn.org> On Behalf Of John Brown Sent: Tuesday, March 2, 2021 2:53 PM To: John Osmon Cc: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> Subject: Re: [1st-mile-nm] NM DoT rule changes? I see a number of issues here. 1. It has become clear that this Covid pandemic has highlighted the fact that there is NOT ENOUGH broadband in our state. Why is the State / Feds wanting to INCREASE and CHARGE MORE for the deployment of broadband services ??? 2. Why are Electrical, Water, Gas also not being charged similarly increased rates ??? 3. The term ADT doesn't appear to be defined in the Broadband manual..... 4. Assuming ADT is Average Daily Traffic, ergo the number of cars that go based some point on a road, this metric is BIASED AGAINST WISP providers. WISP (Wireless Internet Service Provider), not to be confused with Celluar Service, provide service based on FIXED (otherwords not mobile) microwave signals. Customers are located at a physical fixed non moving location. There are only so many physical customers you can connect to a single site. After that the site is "full". In summary this seems like a money grab by NMDOT since Telecom is the hot thing right now....... More State barriers to entry for providers, existing or new. Not a good thing!!!!!! On Tue, Mar 2, 2021 at 2:06 PM John Osmon wrote: > > This should be of interested to folks here: > > https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww. > gofundme.com%2Ff%2Fsave-new-mexicos-internet&data=04%7C01%7Cjbadal > %40sacredwindnm.com%7Ca1f9bb9edf0b49b5dbce08d8ddc76f6d%7C1458a946b0634 > 6cbbe2752dbe35fba15%7C0%7C0%7C637503195924243618%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb > 3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D% > 7C1000&sdata=h9Y5RbjHSzjhHI76t0UsNZslLUq19%2BuaNtd%2FyJLR2sc%3D&am > p;reserved=0 > > This stems from a notice of proposed rulemaking: > > https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdot. > state.nm.us%2Fcontent%2Fnmdot%2Fen%2Fpublic-notices.html%231742&da > ta=04%7C01%7Cjbadal%40sacredwindnm.com%7Ca1f9bb9edf0b49b5dbce08d8ddc76 > f6d%7C1458a946b06346cbbe2752dbe35fba15%7C0%7C0%7C637503195924243618%7C > Unknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1h > aWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=tZu%2B7UNONrJGFk5KUqV%2FWUsHaK66Ia > 2ovo9EUhUnl0w%3D&reserved=0 > > The proposed NMDOT Broadband and Telecommunications Manual is here: > > https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdot. > state.nm.us%2Fcontent%2Fdam%2Fnmdot%2Futilities%2FTelecomm_Manual.pdf& > amp;data=04%7C01%7Cjbadal%40sacredwindnm.com%7Ca1f9bb9edf0b49b5dbce08d > 8ddc76f6d%7C1458a946b06346cbbe2752dbe35fba15%7C0%7C0%7C637503195924253 > 615%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTi > I6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=iLr19iQOdvmz9AuPpTM7kXzYBzB5 > BSmlv3Oef5a%2F6hU%3D&reserved=0 > > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmailm > an.dcn.org%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2F1st-mile-nm&data=04%7C01%7Cjbada > l%40sacredwindnm.com%7Ca1f9bb9edf0b49b5dbce08d8ddc76f6d%7C1458a946b063 > 46cbbe2752dbe35fba15%7C0%7C0%7C637503195924253615%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZs > b3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D > %7C1000&sdata=a0HzkMGav3FXIA2LmmKHFl98sF3t2fK%2BlUMzI7PwW%2Bk%3D&a > mp;reserved=0 -- Respectfully, John Brown, CISSP Managing Member, CityLink Telecommunications NM, LLC _______________________________________________ 1st-mile-nm mailing list 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmailman.dcn.org%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2F1st-mile-nm&data=04%7C01%7Cjbadal%40sacredwindnm.com%7Ca1f9bb9edf0b49b5dbce08d8ddc76f6d%7C1458a946b06346cbbe2752dbe35fba15%7C0%7C0%7C637503195924253615%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=a0HzkMGav3FXIA2LmmKHFl98sF3t2fK%2BlUMzI7PwW%2Bk%3D&reserved=0 From john at citylinkfiber.com Tue Mar 2 17:22:04 2021 From: john at citylinkfiber.com (John Brown) Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2021 18:22:04 -0700 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] NM DoT rule changes? In-Reply-To: References: <20210302210548.GC11700@jeeves.rigozsaurus.com> Message-ID: the optics on this politically bad. we should have our customers inform their elected people as well. On Tue, Mar 2, 2021 at 18:15 John Badal wrote: > Every broadband provider in the state should state their opinion on this. > Because of NM's quirky regulatory history - one of only two states in the > country at the time with 2 regulatory commissions - electric and gas > companies were regulated as utilities by the NM PSC and had rights of > eminent domain, while telecom was regulated by the NM SCC and was > classified differently and no rights of eminent domain. The NM DoIT is > perpetuating the anachronism by granting what looks like immunity to the > "utilities" based on their eminent domain rights while ignoring the > importance - the eminence -- of broadband to the NM public. This is simply > public policy run amok. Your state legislators need to know this. > > John > > -----Original Message----- > From: 1st-mile-nm <1st-mile-nm-bounces at mailman.dcn.org> On Behalf Of John > Brown > Sent: Tuesday, March 2, 2021 2:53 PM > To: John Osmon > Cc: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> > Subject: Re: [1st-mile-nm] NM DoT rule changes? > > I see a number of issues here. > > 1. It has become clear that this Covid pandemic has highlighted the fact > that there is NOT ENOUGH broadband in our state. > Why is the State / Feds wanting to INCREASE and CHARGE MORE for the > deployment of broadband services ??? > > 2. Why are Electrical, Water, Gas also not being charged similarly > increased rates ??? > > 3. The term ADT doesn't appear to be defined in the Broadband manual..... > > 4. Assuming ADT is Average Daily Traffic, ergo the number of cars that go > based some point on a road, this metric is BIASED AGAINST WISP providers. > WISP (Wireless Internet Service Provider), not to be confused with > Celluar Service, provide service based on FIXED (otherwords not > mobile) microwave > signals. Customers are located at a physical fixed non moving location. > There are only so many physical customers you can connect to a single site. > After that the site is "full". > > In summary this seems like a money grab by NMDOT since Telecom is the hot > thing right now....... More State barriers to entry for providers, > existing or new. > Not a good thing!!!!!! > > On Tue, Mar 2, 2021 at 2:06 PM John Osmon wrote: > > > > This should be of interested to folks here: > > > > https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww. > > gofundme.com%2Ff%2Fsave-new-mexicos-internet&data=04%7C01%7Cjbadal > > %40sacredwindnm.com%7Ca1f9bb9edf0b49b5dbce08d8ddc76f6d%7C1458a946b0634 > > 6cbbe2752dbe35fba15%7C0%7C0%7C637503195924243618%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb > > 3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D% > > 7C1000&sdata=h9Y5RbjHSzjhHI76t0UsNZslLUq19%2BuaNtd%2FyJLR2sc%3D&am > > p;reserved=0 > > > > This stems from a notice of proposed rulemaking: > > > > https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdot. > > state.nm.us%2Fcontent%2Fnmdot%2Fen%2Fpublic-notices.html%231742&da > > ta=04%7C01%7Cjbadal%40sacredwindnm.com%7Ca1f9bb9edf0b49b5dbce08d8ddc76 > > f6d%7C1458a946b06346cbbe2752dbe35fba15%7C0%7C0%7C637503195924243618%7C > > Unknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1h > > aWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=tZu%2B7UNONrJGFk5KUqV%2FWUsHaK66Ia > > 2ovo9EUhUnl0w%3D&reserved=0 > > > > The proposed NMDOT Broadband and Telecommunications Manual is here: > > > > https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdot. > > state.nm.us%2Fcontent%2Fdam%2Fnmdot%2Futilities%2FTelecomm_Manual.pdf& > > amp;data=04%7C01%7Cjbadal%40sacredwindnm.com%7Ca1f9bb9edf0b49b5dbce08d > > 8ddc76f6d%7C1458a946b06346cbbe2752dbe35fba15%7C0%7C0%7C637503195924253 > > 615%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTi > > I6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=iLr19iQOdvmz9AuPpTM7kXzYBzB5 > > BSmlv3Oef5a%2F6hU%3D&reserved=0 > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > > https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmailm > > an.dcn.org%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2F1st-mile-nm&data=04%7C01%7Cjbada > > l%40sacredwindnm.com%7Ca1f9bb9edf0b49b5dbce08d8ddc76f6d%7C1458a946b063 > > 46cbbe2752dbe35fba15%7C0%7C0%7C637503195924253615%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZs > > b3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D > > %7C1000&sdata=a0HzkMGav3FXIA2LmmKHFl98sF3t2fK%2BlUMzI7PwW%2Bk%3D&a > > mp;reserved=0 > > > > -- > Respectfully, > > John Brown, CISSP > Managing Member, CityLink Telecommunications NM, LLC > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > > https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmailman.dcn.org%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2F1st-mile-nm&data=04%7C01%7Cjbadal%40sacredwindnm.com%7Ca1f9bb9edf0b49b5dbce08d8ddc76f6d%7C1458a946b06346cbbe2752dbe35fba15%7C0%7C0%7C637503195924253615%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=a0HzkMGav3FXIA2LmmKHFl98sF3t2fK%2BlUMzI7PwW%2Bk%3D&reserved=0 > -- Respectfully, John Brown, CISSP Managing Member, CityLink Telecommunications NM, LLC -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jbadal at sacredwindnm.com Wed Mar 3 07:32:42 2021 From: jbadal at sacredwindnm.com (John Badal) Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2021 15:32:42 +0000 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] NM DoT rule changes? In-Reply-To: References: <20210302210548.GC11700@jeeves.rigozsaurus.com> Message-ID: John Brown: Check out SB 360 as well. This is a PNM bill to allow electric utilities to easily convert their electric easements into communications easements, but the bill clearly states that there shall be no obligation or requirement to make those available to other broadband providers. The bill passed its first committee last night. While on its face this is a good measure to accelerate broadband on all but federal lands in the state, it does nothing to encourage broadband services delivered by other than the electric companies who own the poles. Simply, it reinforces the monopoly and discourages competitive investment and even competitive access to grant and federal auction funding if projects can't be found to be "shovel ready." We want to support this bill but only if it encourages access to other broadband providers. This is also further reminder that pole attachments need to be regulated by the state as done in a number of other states. JB From: John Brown Sent: Tuesday, March 2, 2021 6:22 PM To: John Badal Cc: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org>; John Osmon Subject: Re: [1st-mile-nm] NM DoT rule changes? the optics on this politically bad. we should have our customers inform their elected people as well. On Tue, Mar 2, 2021 at 18:15 John Badal > wrote: Every broadband provider in the state should state their opinion on this. Because of NM's quirky regulatory history - one of only two states in the country at the time with 2 regulatory commissions - electric and gas companies were regulated as utilities by the NM PSC and had rights of eminent domain, while telecom was regulated by the NM SCC and was classified differently and no rights of eminent domain. The NM DoIT is perpetuating the anachronism by granting what looks like immunity to the "utilities" based on their eminent domain rights while ignoring the importance - the eminence -- of broadband to the NM public. This is simply public policy run amok. Your state legislators need to know this. John -----Original Message----- From: 1st-mile-nm <1st-mile-nm-bounces at mailman.dcn.org> On Behalf Of John Brown Sent: Tuesday, March 2, 2021 2:53 PM To: John Osmon > Cc: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> Subject: Re: [1st-mile-nm] NM DoT rule changes? I see a number of issues here. 1. It has become clear that this Covid pandemic has highlighted the fact that there is NOT ENOUGH broadband in our state. Why is the State / Feds wanting to INCREASE and CHARGE MORE for the deployment of broadband services ??? 2. Why are Electrical, Water, Gas also not being charged similarly increased rates ??? 3. The term ADT doesn't appear to be defined in the Broadband manual..... 4. Assuming ADT is Average Daily Traffic, ergo the number of cars that go based some point on a road, this metric is BIASED AGAINST WISP providers. WISP (Wireless Internet Service Provider), not to be confused with Celluar Service, provide service based on FIXED (otherwords not mobile) microwave signals. Customers are located at a physical fixed non moving location. There are only so many physical customers you can connect to a single site. After that the site is "full". In summary this seems like a money grab by NMDOT since Telecom is the hot thing right now....... More State barriers to entry for providers, existing or new. Not a good thing!!!!!! On Tue, Mar 2, 2021 at 2:06 PM John Osmon > wrote: > > This should be of interested to folks here: > > https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww. > gofundme.com%2Ff%2Fsave-new-mexicos-internet&data=04%7C01%7Cjbadal > %40sacredwindnm.com%7Ca1f9bb9edf0b49b5dbce08d8ddc76f6d%7C1458a946b0634 > 6cbbe2752dbe35fba15%7C0%7C0%7C637503195924243618%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb > 3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D% > 7C1000&sdata=h9Y5RbjHSzjhHI76t0UsNZslLUq19%2BuaNtd%2FyJLR2sc%3D&am > p;reserved=0 > > This stems from a notice of proposed rulemaking: > > https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdot. > state.nm.us%2Fcontent%2Fnmdot%2Fen%2Fpublic-notices.html%231742&da > ta=04%7C01%7Cjbadal%40sacredwindnm.com%7Ca1f9bb9edf0b49b5dbce08d8ddc76 > f6d%7C1458a946b06346cbbe2752dbe35fba15%7C0%7C0%7C637503195924243618%7C > Unknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1h > aWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=tZu%2B7UNONrJGFk5KUqV%2FWUsHaK66Ia > 2ovo9EUhUnl0w%3D&reserved=0 > > The proposed NMDOT Broadband and Telecommunications Manual is here: > > https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdot. > state.nm.us%2Fcontent%2Fdam%2Fnmdot%2Futilities%2FTelecomm_Manual.pdf& > amp;data=04%7C01%7Cjbadal%40sacredwindnm.com%7Ca1f9bb9edf0b49b5dbce08d > 8ddc76f6d%7C1458a946b06346cbbe2752dbe35fba15%7C0%7C0%7C637503195924253 > 615%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTi > I6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=iLr19iQOdvmz9AuPpTM7kXzYBzB5 > BSmlv3Oef5a%2F6hU%3D&reserved=0 > > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmailm > an.dcn.org%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2F1st-mile-nm&data=04%7C01%7Cjbada > l%40sacredwindnm.com%7Ca1f9bb9edf0b49b5dbce08d8ddc76f6d%7C1458a946b063 > 46cbbe2752dbe35fba15%7C0%7C0%7C637503195924253615%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZs > b3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D > %7C1000&sdata=a0HzkMGav3FXIA2LmmKHFl98sF3t2fK%2BlUMzI7PwW%2Bk%3D&a > mp;reserved=0 -- Respectfully, John Brown, CISSP Managing Member, CityLink Telecommunications NM, LLC _______________________________________________ 1st-mile-nm mailing list 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmailman.dcn.org%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2F1st-mile-nm&data=04%7C01%7Cjbadal%40sacredwindnm.com%7Ca1f9bb9edf0b49b5dbce08d8ddc76f6d%7C1458a946b06346cbbe2752dbe35fba15%7C0%7C0%7C637503195924253615%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=a0HzkMGav3FXIA2LmmKHFl98sF3t2fK%2BlUMzI7PwW%2Bk%3D&reserved=0 -- Respectfully, John Brown, CISSP Managing Member, CityLink Telecommunications NM, LLC -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From telecomadvocate at gmail.com Wed Mar 3 12:33:51 2021 From: telecomadvocate at gmail.com (Brian Harris) Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2021 13:33:51 -0700 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] NM DoT rule changes? In-Reply-To: References: <20210302210548.GC11700@jeeves.rigozsaurus.com> Message-ID: I've glanced through the draft, I didn't see what the specific costs were. Could someone point out that detail to me? Brian On Wed, Mar 3, 2021 at 8:33 AM John Badal wrote: > John Brown: Check out SB 360 as well. This is a PNM bill to allow > electric utilities to easily convert their electric easements into > communications easements, but the bill clearly states that there shall be > no obligation or requirement to make those available to other broadband > providers. The bill passed its first committee last night. While on its > face this is a good measure to accelerate broadband on all but federal > lands in the state, it does nothing to encourage broadband services > delivered by other than the electric companies who own the poles. Simply, > it reinforces the monopoly and discourages competitive investment and even > competitive access to grant and federal auction funding if projects can?t > be found to be ?shovel ready.? We want to support this bill but only if it > encourages access to other broadband providers. This is also further > reminder that pole attachments need to be regulated by the state as done in > a number of other states. > > > > JB > > > > *From:* John Brown > *Sent:* Tuesday, March 2, 2021 6:22 PM > *To:* John Badal > *Cc:* 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org>; John Osmon < > josmon at rigozsaurus.com> > *Subject:* Re: [1st-mile-nm] NM DoT rule changes? > > > > the optics on this politically bad. > > > > we should have our customers inform their elected people as well. > > > > On Tue, Mar 2, 2021 at 18:15 John Badal wrote: > > Every broadband provider in the state should state their opinion on this. > Because of NM's quirky regulatory history - one of only two states in the > country at the time with 2 regulatory commissions - electric and gas > companies were regulated as utilities by the NM PSC and had rights of > eminent domain, while telecom was regulated by the NM SCC and was > classified differently and no rights of eminent domain. The NM DoIT is > perpetuating the anachronism by granting what looks like immunity to the > "utilities" based on their eminent domain rights while ignoring the > importance - the eminence -- of broadband to the NM public. This is simply > public policy run amok. Your state legislators need to know this. > > John > > -----Original Message----- > From: 1st-mile-nm <1st-mile-nm-bounces at mailman.dcn.org> On Behalf Of John > Brown > Sent: Tuesday, March 2, 2021 2:53 PM > To: John Osmon > Cc: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> > Subject: Re: [1st-mile-nm] NM DoT rule changes? > > I see a number of issues here. > > 1. It has become clear that this Covid pandemic has highlighted the fact > that there is NOT ENOUGH broadband in our state. > Why is the State / Feds wanting to INCREASE and CHARGE MORE for the > deployment of broadband services ??? > > 2. Why are Electrical, Water, Gas also not being charged similarly > increased rates ??? > > 3. The term ADT doesn't appear to be defined in the Broadband manual..... > > 4. Assuming ADT is Average Daily Traffic, ergo the number of cars that go > based some point on a road, this metric is BIASED AGAINST WISP providers. > WISP (Wireless Internet Service Provider), not to be confused with > Celluar Service, provide service based on FIXED (otherwords not > mobile) microwave > signals. Customers are located at a physical fixed non moving location. > There are only so many physical customers you can connect to a single site. > After that the site is "full". > > In summary this seems like a money grab by NMDOT since Telecom is the hot > thing right now....... More State barriers to entry for providers, > existing or new. > Not a good thing!!!!!! > > On Tue, Mar 2, 2021 at 2:06 PM John Osmon wrote: > > > > This should be of interested to folks here: > > > > https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww. > > gofundme.com > > %2Ff%2Fsave-new-mexicos-internet&data=04%7C01%7Cjbadal > > %40sacredwindnm.com > > %7Ca1f9bb9edf0b49b5dbce08d8ddc76f6d%7C1458a946b0634 > > 6cbbe2752dbe35fba15%7C0%7C0%7C637503195924243618%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb > > 3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D% > > 7C1000&sdata=h9Y5RbjHSzjhHI76t0UsNZslLUq19%2BuaNtd%2FyJLR2sc%3D&am > > p;reserved=0 > > > > This stems from a notice of proposed rulemaking: > > > > https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdot. > > state.nm.us > > %2Fcontent%2Fnmdot%2Fen%2Fpublic-notices.html%231742&da > > ta=04%7C01%7Cjbadal%40sacredwindnm.com > > %7Ca1f9bb9edf0b49b5dbce08d8ddc76 > > f6d%7C1458a946b06346cbbe2752dbe35fba15%7C0%7C0%7C637503195924243618%7C > > Unknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1h > > aWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=tZu%2B7UNONrJGFk5KUqV%2FWUsHaK66Ia > > 2ovo9EUhUnl0w%3D&reserved=0 > > > > The proposed NMDOT Broadband and Telecommunications Manual is here: > > > > https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdot. > > state.nm.us > > %2Fcontent%2Fdam%2Fnmdot%2Futilities%2FTelecomm_Manual.pdf& > > amp;data=04%7C01%7Cjbadal%40sacredwindnm.com > > %7Ca1f9bb9edf0b49b5dbce08d > > 8ddc76f6d%7C1458a946b06346cbbe2752dbe35fba15%7C0%7C0%7C637503195924253 > > 615%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTi > > I6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=iLr19iQOdvmz9AuPpTM7kXzYBzB5 > > BSmlv3Oef5a%2F6hU%3D&reserved=0 > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > > https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmailm > > an.dcn.org > > %2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2F1st-mile-nm&data=04%7C01%7Cjbada > > l%40sacredwindnm.com > > %7Ca1f9bb9edf0b49b5dbce08d8ddc76f6d%7C1458a946b063 > > 46cbbe2752dbe35fba15%7C0%7C0%7C637503195924253615%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZs > > b3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D > > %7C1000&sdata=a0HzkMGav3FXIA2LmmKHFl98sF3t2fK%2BlUMzI7PwW%2Bk%3D&a > > mp;reserved=0 > > > > -- > Respectfully, > > John Brown, CISSP > Managing Member, CityLink Telecommunications NM, LLC > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > > https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmailman.dcn.org%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2F1st-mile-nm&data=04%7C01%7Cjbadal%40sacredwindnm.com%7Ca1f9bb9edf0b49b5dbce08d8ddc76f6d%7C1458a946b06346cbbe2752dbe35fba15%7C0%7C0%7C637503195924253615%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=a0HzkMGav3FXIA2LmmKHFl98sF3t2fK%2BlUMzI7PwW%2Bk%3D&reserved=0 > > > -- > > Respectfully, > > John Brown, CISSP > Managing Member, CityLink Telecommunications NM, LLC > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From rl at 1st-mile.org Thu Mar 4 09:49:38 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Thu, 04 Mar 2021 10:49:38 -0700 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] New Mexico Senate passes bill creating state division to upgrade broadband Message-ID: <62c81142088b0b669845a2b871c09052@1st-mile.org> New Mexico Senate passes bill creating state division to upgrade broadband By Robert Nott rnott at sfnewmexican.com Mar 3, 2021 https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/legislature/new-mexico-senate-passes-bill-creating-state-division-to-upgrade-broadband/article_e73f01c4-7c2c-11eb-a5cd-ffbdee34ddc2.html Schoolchildren are still sitting in cars to access Wi-Fi hotspots to take part in virtual lessons, a leading Democratic senator told his colleagues Wednesday. That?s one reason Sen. George Mu?oz, D-Gallup and chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, urged his colleagues to support Senate Bill 93, which would create a central state office to develop and upgrade New Mexico?s broadband system. The state doesn?t have a blueprint for broadband, said Sen. Michael Padilla, D-Albuquerque and co-sponsor of the legislation. He said creating a plan is the key focus of the bill. ?Broadband will never happen until we put that plan in place,? Mu?oz told the Senate, which voted 33-6 to support the bill following about an hour of debate Wednesday, sending the measure to the House. Citing a 2020 report that said despite investments of hundreds of millions of dollars, access to broadband services has remained spotty for many New Mexicans, Padilla said only by creating an agency to focus on the problem will the state solve it. Among other functions, the new entity would work to draw matching federal funds for every dollar New Mexico invests in its broadband system ? a goal that could bring in somewhere between $9 and $13 for every dollar spent by the state, Padilla said. Though improvements and new investments ? a total of $325 million between 2015 and 2018 ? have been made in offering and expanding broadband, the fact so many state agencies play a role in the effort leads to gaps in data and service, that 2020 report said. That report suggested New Mexico create an anchor agency to address the issue. New Mexico often ranks near or at the bottom in national studies when it comes to broadband capability. A recent broadbandnow.com analysis ranked it 42nd in the country ? and behind neighboring states Arizona, Colorado, Texas and Utah ? when it comes to connectivity. That leaves somewhere between 13 percent and 20 percent of New Mexico?s roughly 200,000 homes and businesses without broadband access, according to the 2020 report. A proposed Office of Broadband Access and Expansion would be charged with creating maps and collecting data about broadband access for homes and businesses in the state, and setting standards of quality for broadband speeds. It would also work with federal, state, regional, local and tribal agencies to obtain licenses for rights of way for broadband infrastructure. Those efforts are needed, said Sen. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez, D-Albuquerque. ?It is absolutely crucial for our future that the state address that problem ? and expand to every corner of the state that is rural that does not have broadband,? she said. Not all lawmakers were sold on the idea. Though Sen. Jacob Candelaria, D-Albuquerque, voted for the bill, he told Padilla the legislation had no provisions for holding the new agency accountable should plans not work out as intended. He added the bill does not offer specifics on how much more broadband the state could access with the help of the new division. ?We need to ask critical questions, including appropriation ? what results do we get?? he said. ?The bill doesn?t really provide accountability, and so it falls upon us [as legislators].? Some Republicans raised concerns the creation of a new state agency will simply add to the growth of government entities. ?Be careful,? said Sen. Cliff Pirtle, R-Roswell, who voted against the bill. He said he could see the state needing to invest more money and more employees into the new office in a year. Though the plan does not have an appropriation, Padilla said the new division will be wrapped into the existing New Mexico Department of Information Technology and use its employees, who will be repurposed to support the broadband efforts. --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From dlc at lampinc.com Tue Mar 23 18:52:25 2021 From: dlc at lampinc.com (Dale Carstensen) Date: Tue, 23 Mar 2021 18:52:25 -0700 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] FCC request for broadband consumer comments Message-ID: <20210324015225.CF687199C@lacn.los-alamos.net> Today Cory Doctorow's Pluralistic blog has a link to a tweet from new FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel. Among the first few replies to that tweet is one from "@ihatecablecos" to re-unite ATT, Verizon and Centurylink to come to everyone's rescue and defeat the evil cable monopoly, and another that just says thank you. I suppose it might result in a robo-storm of lobbyist anti-consumer sentiment, like 4 years ago, but it is what it is. Digging a little deeper, I see there is a non-twitter option for those of us who resist signing up for a twitter login, but it's not obvious where comments eventually become available for public perusal. Dale (retired now, but from about 2000 to 2011, I was deeply involved in running Los Alamos Community Network, fiber-to-the-home/business and some fixed wireless internet) [the URL for Cory's blog entry is ] From rl at 1st-mile.org Tue Mar 30 10:07:14 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2021 11:07:14 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Pueblo Tribal Teacher On The Difficulty Of Getting Students Online Message-ID: <09f92f49d579be1649455061cf236721@1st-mile.org> Beautifully illustrated. COMIC: Pueblo Tribal Teacher On The Difficulty Of Getting Students Online March 30, 2021 Lori Chavez, a middle school social studies teacher in Kewa Pueblo, N.M., discusses the importance of staying connected to your community during lockdown. https://www.npr.org/2021/03/30/982364861/comic-pueblo-tribal-teacher-on-the-difficulty-of-getting-students-online --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Fri Apr 9 09:49:59 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Fri, 09 Apr 2021 10:49:59 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Gov. Lujan Grisham signs measures advancing broadband connection and development Message-ID: <4e0fc6d6bd3a514f2ee79ede9e0b7f65@1st-mile.org> Gov. Lujan Grisham signs measures advancing broadband connection and development Apr 7, 2021 | Press Releases https://www.governor.state.nm.us/2021/04/07/gov-lujan-grisham-signs-measures-advancing-broadband-connection-and-development/ SANTA FE ? Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham on Wednesday signed a pair of measures moving the state one step closer to providing New Mexico with the broadband capacity to connect all New Mexicans to reliable, high-speed internet. Senate Bill 93 establishes an Office of Broadband Access and Expansion to centralize and coordinate broadband activities across state government agencies, local governmental bodies, tribal governmental organizations and internet service providers. The Office of Broadband will be responsible for developing a three-year broadband strategic and operational plan providing guiding principles and operational criteria for significant broadband deployment and expansion for New Mexico. House Bill 10 establishes the Connect New Mexico Fund and the Connect New Mexico Council, which will provide state grant funding for broadband infrastructure statewide and conduct and enact oversight and accountability requirements; the legislation also significantly increases the annual distribution for broadband infrastructure from the State Rural Universal Service Fund. The broadband office will conduct statewide meetings for the purpose of gathering recommendations and feedback on how to best move forward with existing stakeholder plans for broadband expansion for all New Mexicans. The Connect New Mexico Council will consist of 15 members who will oversee $130 million in broadband grant and infrastructure appropriations made in the 2021 session. Sponsors of the two measures included Sen. Michael Padilla, Sen. Liz Stefanics, Rep. Natalie Figueroa, Rep. Joy Garratt, Rep. Susan Herrera, Rep. Candie Sweetser and Rep. Christine Chandler. ?The pandemic has underscored the urgent need for reliable internet access for every single student and family and business,? said Gov. Lujan Grisham. ?We must and we will provide every New Mexican with quality and affordable broadband service, and these measures advance the subject.? ?Today marks a giant step forward for New Mexico,? said Sen. Michael Padilla. ?The Office of Broadband Access and Expansion will help centralize and coordinate our efforts to build out a broadband infrastructure that will bring economic development, distance learning and telehealth delivery across the state, including some of the hardest to reach areas. And, this office could help generate close to a billion dollars in federal funding for New Mexico ? critical dollars that will go toward ensuring comprehensive coverage and the best use of the latest technologies. Thank you Governor Lujan Grisham for signing this important legislation.? ?A centralized and focused effort to deliver broadband across New Mexico will be an economic driver for business owners, remote workers, and companies looking to relocate to New Mexico and invest in new technologies, ? said Economic Development Secretary Alicia J. Keyes. ?The digital divide is nothing new, but the pandemic made it clear that closing it must be a priority for New Mexico if we?re going to honor our commitment to provide every child with a full and equitable education,? said Public Education Secretary Ryan Stewart. ?Through public-private partnerships, we narrowed the divide considerably this year by getting many school children the access they needed to digital devices and high-speed internet. With this legislation, we?re on the path to close that divide once and for all.? ?The pandemic exposed the tremendous need for communications infrastructure in our rural and tribal communities,? said Indian Affairs Secretary Lynn Trujillo. ?Broadband access will help our students succeed, local businesses thrive, and will ensure vital information reaches every citizen in our state.? ?I look forward to working closely with the council members in formulating a broadband framework plan that encompasses strategic planning, program oversight, and grant award methodologies,? said Information and Technology Secretary John Salazar. ?Many members of the legislature on both sides of the aisle worked diligently over the past year to understand the challenges we face in bringing broadband to New Mexico and ensure passage of this much-needed legislation. We look forward to working with them and stakeholders from a wide range of communities in the months ahead to ensure every New Mexican can get the reliable and affordable internet access they need and deserve.? The governor on Wednesday also signed Senate Bill 204, sponsored by Sen. Michael Padilla, to provide access to the State Rural Universal Services Fund to Sacred Wind Communications, which delivers broadband access to the Navajo Nation and surrounding areas. --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From ewhitmore at gmail.com Fri Apr 9 11:58:55 2021 From: ewhitmore at gmail.com (Eric Renz-Whitmore) Date: Fri, 9 Apr 2021 12:58:55 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Gov. Lujan Grisham signs measures advancing broadband connection and development In-Reply-To: <4e0fc6d6bd3a514f2ee79ede9e0b7f65@1st-mile.org> References: <4e0fc6d6bd3a514f2ee79ede9e0b7f65@1st-mile.org> Message-ID: I'm curious what folks in this group think. Any particular opportunities missed - and/or any aspects of this that merit continued eyes and engagement? e On Fri, Apr 9, 2021 at 10:50 AM Richard Lowenberg wrote: > Gov. Lujan Grisham signs measures advancing broadband connection and > development > > Apr 7, 2021 | Press Releases > > https://www.governor.state.nm.us/2021/04/07/gov-lujan-grisham-signs-measures-advancing-broadband-connection-and-development/ > > SANTA FE ? Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham on Wednesday signed a pair of > measures moving the state one step closer to providing New Mexico with > the broadband capacity to connect all New Mexicans to reliable, > high-speed internet. > > Senate Bill 93 establishes an Office of Broadband Access and Expansion > to centralize and coordinate broadband activities across state > government agencies, local governmental bodies, tribal governmental > organizations and internet service providers. The Office of Broadband > will be responsible for developing a three-year broadband strategic and > operational plan providing guiding principles and operational criteria > for significant broadband deployment and expansion for New Mexico. > > House Bill 10 establishes the Connect New Mexico Fund and the Connect > New Mexico Council, which will provide state grant funding for broadband > infrastructure statewide and conduct and enact oversight and > accountability requirements; the legislation also significantly > increases the annual distribution for broadband infrastructure from the > State Rural Universal Service Fund. > > The broadband office will conduct statewide meetings for the purpose of > gathering recommendations and feedback on how to best move forward with > existing stakeholder plans for broadband expansion for all New Mexicans. > > The Connect New Mexico Council will consist of 15 members who will > oversee $130 million in broadband grant and infrastructure > appropriations made in the 2021 session. > > Sponsors of the two measures included Sen. Michael Padilla, Sen. Liz > Stefanics, Rep. Natalie Figueroa, Rep. Joy Garratt, Rep. Susan Herrera, > Rep. Candie Sweetser and Rep. Christine Chandler. > > ?The pandemic has underscored the urgent need for reliable internet > access for every single student and family and business,? said Gov. > Lujan Grisham. ?We must and we will provide every New Mexican with > quality and affordable broadband service, and these measures advance the > subject.? > > ?Today marks a giant step forward for New Mexico,? said Sen. Michael > Padilla. ?The Office of Broadband Access and Expansion will help > centralize and coordinate our efforts to build out a broadband > infrastructure that will bring economic development, distance learning > and telehealth delivery across the state, including some of the hardest > to reach areas. And, this office could help generate close to a billion > dollars in federal funding for New Mexico ? critical dollars that will > go toward ensuring comprehensive coverage and the best use of the latest > technologies. Thank you Governor Lujan Grisham for signing this > important legislation.? > > ?A centralized and focused effort to deliver broadband across New Mexico > will be an economic driver for business owners, remote workers, and > companies looking to relocate to New Mexico and invest in new > technologies, ? said Economic Development Secretary Alicia J. Keyes. > > ?The digital divide is nothing new, but the pandemic made it clear that > closing it must be a priority for New Mexico if we?re going to honor our > commitment to provide every child with a full and equitable education,? > said Public Education Secretary Ryan Stewart. ?Through public-private > partnerships, we narrowed the divide considerably this year by getting > many school children the access they needed to digital devices and > high-speed internet. With this legislation, we?re on the path to close > that divide once and for all.? > > ?The pandemic exposed the tremendous need for communications > infrastructure in our rural and tribal communities,? said Indian Affairs > Secretary Lynn Trujillo. ?Broadband access will help our students > succeed, local businesses thrive, and will ensure vital information > reaches every citizen in our state.? > > ?I look forward to working closely with the council members in > formulating a broadband framework plan that encompasses strategic > planning, program oversight, and grant award methodologies,? said > Information and Technology Secretary John Salazar. ?Many members of the > legislature on both sides of the aisle worked diligently over the past > year to understand the challenges we face in bringing broadband to New > Mexico and ensure passage of this much-needed legislation. We look > forward to working with them and stakeholders from a wide range of > communities in the months ahead to ensure every New Mexican can get the > reliable and affordable internet access they need and deserve.? > > The governor on Wednesday also signed Senate Bill 204, sponsored by Sen. > Michael Padilla, to provide access to the State Rural Universal Services > Fund to Sacred Wind Communications, which delivers broadband access to > the Navajo Nation and surrounding areas. > > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > --------------------------------------------------------------- > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > -- ___ Eric Renz-Whitmore community centered economic development twitter: @ewhitmore cell: (505) 227-1086 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nanrubin at gmail.com Fri Apr 9 15:08:57 2021 From: nanrubin at gmail.com (Nan Rubin) Date: Fri, 9 Apr 2021 16:08:57 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Gov. Lujan Grisham signs measures advancing broadband connection and development In-Reply-To: References: <4e0fc6d6bd3a514f2ee79ede9e0b7f65@1st-mile.org> Message-ID: I spoke to a number of people about this proposed legislation before it was passed, and to me it seemed like they were extremely strong on the need for a real state - wide coordinator who could pull together the disparate interests of various agencies, plus keep an eye on opportunities for federal funding.. This development is very positive in terms of what the state needs. But it's absolutely worth keeping an eye on where the funding will go, and how much the for-profit providers Will be allowed to get large contracts and still not deliver service. There's going to be a lot of money floating around, especially when the new infrastructure bill is passed by Congress, since broadband is a major part of the bill. The broadband office here will definitely be looking at how we can get some of that money and deploy it where needed. The oversight board needs to be really representative of and non profit organizations, agencies and residents, and not tilted towards providers..It's true that covid put the digital divide in stark relief, but it's not true that the patchwork of hot spots etc offered a long-term solution. This might be the opportunity to truly develop a broadband strategy that will be implemented. Nan Rubin Community Media services Las Cruces Z On Fri, Apr 9, 2021, 12:59 PM Eric Renz-Whitmore wrote: > I'm curious what folks in this group think. > > Any particular opportunities missed - and/or any aspects of this that > merit continued eyes and engagement? > > e > > On Fri, Apr 9, 2021 at 10:50 AM Richard Lowenberg wrote: > >> Gov. Lujan Grisham signs measures advancing broadband connection and >> development >> >> Apr 7, 2021 | Press Releases >> >> https://www.governor.state.nm.us/2021/04/07/gov-lujan-grisham-signs-measures-advancing-broadband-connection-and-development/ >> >> SANTA FE ? Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham on Wednesday signed a pair of >> measures moving the state one step closer to providing New Mexico with >> the broadband capacity to connect all New Mexicans to reliable, >> high-speed internet. >> >> Senate Bill 93 establishes an Office of Broadband Access and Expansion >> to centralize and coordinate broadband activities across state >> government agencies, local governmental bodies, tribal governmental >> organizations and internet service providers. The Office of Broadband >> will be responsible for developing a three-year broadband strategic and >> operational plan providing guiding principles and operational criteria >> for significant broadband deployment and expansion for New Mexico. >> >> House Bill 10 establishes the Connect New Mexico Fund and the Connect >> New Mexico Council, which will provide state grant funding for broadband >> infrastructure statewide and conduct and enact oversight and >> accountability requirements; the legislation also significantly >> increases the annual distribution for broadband infrastructure from the >> State Rural Universal Service Fund. >> >> The broadband office will conduct statewide meetings for the purpose of >> gathering recommendations and feedback on how to best move forward with >> existing stakeholder plans for broadband expansion for all New Mexicans. >> >> The Connect New Mexico Council will consist of 15 members who will >> oversee $130 million in broadband grant and infrastructure >> appropriations made in the 2021 session. >> >> Sponsors of the two measures included Sen. Michael Padilla, Sen. Liz >> Stefanics, Rep. Natalie Figueroa, Rep. Joy Garratt, Rep. Susan Herrera, >> Rep. Candie Sweetser and Rep. Christine Chandler. >> >> ?The pandemic has underscored the urgent need for reliable internet >> access for every single student and family and business,? said Gov. >> Lujan Grisham. ?We must and we will provide every New Mexican with >> quality and affordable broadband service, and these measures advance the >> subject.? >> >> ?Today marks a giant step forward for New Mexico,? said Sen. Michael >> Padilla. ?The Office of Broadband Access and Expansion will help >> centralize and coordinate our efforts to build out a broadband >> infrastructure that will bring economic development, distance learning >> and telehealth delivery across the state, including some of the hardest >> to reach areas. And, this office could help generate close to a billion >> dollars in federal funding for New Mexico ? critical dollars that will >> go toward ensuring comprehensive coverage and the best use of the latest >> technologies. Thank you Governor Lujan Grisham for signing this >> important legislation.? >> >> ?A centralized and focused effort to deliver broadband across New Mexico >> will be an economic driver for business owners, remote workers, and >> companies looking to relocate to New Mexico and invest in new >> technologies, ? said Economic Development Secretary Alicia J. Keyes. >> >> ?The digital divide is nothing new, but the pandemic made it clear that >> closing it must be a priority for New Mexico if we?re going to honor our >> commitment to provide every child with a full and equitable education,? >> said Public Education Secretary Ryan Stewart. ?Through public-,, >> private >> partnerships, we narrowed the divide considerably this year by getting >> many school children the access they needed to digital devices and >> high-speed internet. With this legislation, we?re on the path to close >> that divide once and for all.? >> >> ?The pandemic exposed the tremendous need for communications >> infrastructure in our rural and tribal communities,? said Indian Affairs >> Secretary Lynn Trujillo. ?Broadband access will help our students >> succeed, local businesses thrive, and will ensure vital information >> reaches every citizen in our state.? >> >> ?I look forward to working closely with the council members in >> formulating a broadband framework plan that encompasses strategic >> planning, program oversight, and grant award methodologies,? said >> Information and Technology Secretary John Salazar. ?Many members of the >> legislature on both sides of the aisle worked diligently over the past >> year to understand the challenges we face in bringing broadband to New >> Mexico and ensure passage of this much-needed legislation. We look >> forward to working with them and stakeholders from a wide range of >> communities in the months ahead to ensure every New Mexican can get the >> reliable and affordable internet access they need and deserve.? >> >> The governor on Wednesday also signed Senate Bill 204, sponsored by Sen. >> Michael Padilla, to provide access to the State Rural Universal Services >> Fund to Sacred Wind Communications, which delivers broadband access to >> the Navajo Nation and surrounding areas. >> >> >> --------------------------------------------------------------- >> Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director >> 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 >> Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, >> rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org >> --------------------------------------------------------------- >> _______________________________________________ >> 1st-mile-nm mailing list >> 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org >> http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm >> > > > -- > ___ > > Eric Renz-Whitmore > community centered economic development > > twitter: @ewhitmore > cell: (505) 227-1086 > > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nmsfazq > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From drew.einhorn at gmail.com Sat Apr 10 17:17:02 2021 From: drew.einhorn at gmail.com (Drew Einhorn) Date: Sat, 10 Apr 2021 18:17:02 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Gov. Lujan Grisham signs measures advancing broadband connection and development In-Reply-To: References: <4e0fc6d6bd3a514f2ee79ede9e0b7f65@1st-mile.org> Message-ID: - Look at the incumbent carriers' behavior in the past. - Consider the Second Amended Settlement Agreement. - The lawsuits that led to it. - And, everything that followed. - We can be sure: - They will attempt to take all the money and run. - They will attempt to claim whatever results from this is their property. - They will not willingly share any resources. - They will attempt to prevent all competition. - They will not invest any of their own money. - The commission must ensure that the people and State of New Mexico get what they pay for. On Fri, Apr 9, 2021 at 4:09 PM Nan Rubin wrote: > I spoke to a number of people about this proposed legislation before it > was passed, and to me it seemed like they were extremely strong on the need > for a real state - wide coordinator who could pull together the disparate > interests of various agencies, plus keep an eye on opportunities for > federal funding.. > > This development is very positive in terms of what the state needs. But > it's absolutely worth keeping an eye on where the funding will go, and how > much the for-profit providers Will be allowed to get large contracts and > still not deliver service. There's going to be a lot of money floating > around, especially when the new infrastructure bill is passed by Congress, > since broadband is a major part of the bill. > > The broadband office here will definitely be looking at how we can get > some of that money and deploy it where needed. The oversight board needs to > be really representative of and non profit organizations, agencies and > residents, and not tilted towards providers..It's true that covid put the > digital divide in stark relief, but it's not true that the patchwork of hot > spots etc offered a long-term solution. This might be the opportunity to > truly develop a broadband strategy that will be implemented. > Nan Rubin > Community Media services > Las Cruces > Z > On Fri, Apr 9, 2021, 12:59 PM Eric Renz-Whitmore > wrote: > >> I'm curious what folks in this group think. >> >> Any particular opportunities missed - and/or any aspects of this that >> merit continued eyes and engagement? >> >> e >> >> On Fri, Apr 9, 2021 at 10:50 AM Richard Lowenberg >> wrote: >> >>> Gov. Lujan Grisham signs measures advancing broadband connection and >>> development >>> >>> Apr 7, 2021 | Press Releases >>> >>> https://www.governor.state.nm.us/2021/04/07/gov-lujan-grisham-signs-measures-advancing-broadband-connection-and-development/ >>> >>> SANTA FE ? Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham on Wednesday signed a pair of >>> measures moving the state one step closer to providing New Mexico with >>> the broadband capacity to connect all New Mexicans to reliable, >>> high-speed internet. >>> >>> Senate Bill 93 establishes an Office of Broadband Access and Expansion >>> to centralize and coordinate broadband activities across state >>> government agencies, local governmental bodies, tribal governmental >>> organizations and internet service providers. The Office of Broadband >>> will be responsible for developing a three-year broadband strategic and >>> operational plan providing guiding principles and operational criteria >>> for significant broadband deployment and expansion for New Mexico. >>> >>> House Bill 10 establishes the Connect New Mexico Fund and the Connect >>> New Mexico Council, which will provide state grant funding for broadband >>> infrastructure statewide and conduct and enact oversight and >>> accountability requirements; the legislation also significantly >>> increases the annual distribution for broadband infrastructure from the >>> State Rural Universal Service Fund. >>> >>> The broadband office will conduct statewide meetings for the purpose of >>> gathering recommendations and feedback on how to best move forward with >>> existing stakeholder plans for broadband expansion for all New Mexicans. >>> >>> The Connect New Mexico Council will consist of 15 members who will >>> oversee $130 million in broadband grant and infrastructure >>> appropriations made in the 2021 session. >>> >>> Sponsors of the two measures included Sen. Michael Padilla, Sen. Liz >>> Stefanics, Rep. Natalie Figueroa, Rep. Joy Garratt, Rep. Susan Herrera, >>> Rep. Candie Sweetser and Rep. Christine Chandler. >>> >>> ?The pandemic has underscored the urgent need for reliable internet >>> access for every single student and family and business,? said Gov. >>> Lujan Grisham. ?We must and we will provide every New Mexican with >>> quality and affordable broadband service, and these measures advance the >>> subject.? >>> >>> ?Today marks a giant step forward for New Mexico,? said Sen. Michael >>> Padilla. ?The Office of Broadband Access and Expansion will help >>> centralize and coordinate our efforts to build out a broadband >>> infrastructure that will bring economic development, distance learning >>> and telehealth delivery across the state, including some of the hardest >>> to reach areas. And, this office could help generate close to a billion >>> dollars in federal funding for New Mexico ? critical dollars that will >>> go toward ensuring comprehensive coverage and the best use of the latest >>> technologies. Thank you Governor Lujan Grisham for signing this >>> important legislation.? >>> >>> ?A centralized and focused effort to deliver broadband across New Mexico >>> will be an economic driver for business owners, remote workers, and >>> companies looking to relocate to New Mexico and invest in new >>> technologies, ? said Economic Development Secretary Alicia J. Keyes. >>> >>> ?The digital divide is nothing new, but the pandemic made it clear that >>> closing it must be a priority for New Mexico if we?re going to honor our >>> commitment to provide every child with a full and equitable education,? >>> said Public Education Secretary Ryan Stewart. ?Through public-,, >>> private >>> partnerships, we narrowed the divide considerably this year by getting >>> many school children the access they needed to digital devices and >>> high-speed internet. With this legislation, we?re on the path to close >>> that divide once and for all.? >>> >>> ?The pandemic exposed the tremendous need for communications >>> infrastructure in our rural and tribal communities,? said Indian Affairs >>> Secretary Lynn Trujillo. ?Broadband access will help our students >>> succeed, local businesses thrive, and will ensure vital information >>> reaches every citizen in our state.? >>> >>> ?I look forward to working closely with the council members in >>> formulating a broadband framework plan that encompasses strategic >>> planning, program oversight, and grant award methodologies,? said >>> Information and Technology Secretary John Salazar. ?Many members of the >>> legislature on both sides of the aisle worked diligently over the past >>> year to understand the challenges we face in bringing broadband to New >>> Mexico and ensure passage of this much-needed legislation. We look >>> forward to working with them and stakeholders from a wide range of >>> communities in the months ahead to ensure every New Mexican can get the >>> reliable and affordable internet access they need and deserve.? >>> >>> The governor on Wednesday also signed Senate Bill 204, sponsored by Sen. >>> Michael Padilla, to provide access to the State Rural Universal Services >>> Fund to Sacred Wind Communications, which delivers broadband access to >>> the Navajo Nation and surrounding areas. >>> >>> >>> --------------------------------------------------------------- >>> Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director >>> 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 >>> Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, >>> rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org >>> --------------------------------------------------------------- >>> _______________________________________________ >>> 1st-mile-nm mailing list >>> 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org >>> http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm >>> >> >> >> -- >> ___ >> >> Eric Renz-Whitmore >> community centered economic development >> >> twitter: @ewhitmore >> cell: (505) 227-1086 >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 1st-mile-nm mailing list >> 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org >> http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nmsfazq >> > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > -- Drew Einhorn Where are we going? And, why am I in this handbasket? -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From drtlesterthomas at gmail.com Sun Apr 11 09:31:07 2021 From: drtlesterthomas at gmail.com (Timothy L. Thomas) Date: Sun, 11 Apr 2021 10:31:07 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] 1st-mile-nm Digest, Vol 174, Issue 2 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I would opine that if a state-wide coordination produces a quality of result analogous to that seen with the vaccine rollout here, relative to other states' efforts, we will be well-served. I look forward to it... -TLT On Sat, Apr 10, 2021 at 6:17 PM <1st-mile-nm-request at mailman.dcn.org> wrote: > Send 1st-mile-nm mailing list submissions to > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > 1st-mile-nm-request at mailman.dcn.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > 1st-mile-nm-owner at mailman.dcn.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of 1st-mile-nm digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: Gov. Lujan Grisham signs measures advancing broadband > connection and development (Nan Rubin) > 2. Re: Gov. Lujan Grisham signs measures advancing broadband > connection and development (Drew Einhorn) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Fri, 9 Apr 2021 16:08:57 -0600 > From: Nan Rubin > To: Eric Renz-Whitmore > Cc: Richard Lowenberg , 1st-mile Nm > <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> > Subject: Re: [1st-mile-nm] Gov. Lujan Grisham signs measures advancing > broadband connection and development > Message-ID: > < > CAGX86RrGez5HabXd6n7dkTVd6aMZQ6D-KPt-3uXfLuXesi8qLg at mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > I spoke to a number of people about this proposed legislation before it was > passed, and to me it seemed like they were extremely strong on the need for > a real state - wide coordinator who could pull together the disparate > interests of various agencies, plus keep an eye on opportunities for > federal funding.. > > This development is very positive in terms of what the state needs. But > it's absolutely worth keeping an eye on where the funding will go, and how > much the for-profit providers Will be allowed to get large contracts and > still not deliver service. There's going to be a lot of money floating > around, especially when the new infrastructure bill is passed by Congress, > since broadband is a major part of the bill. > > The broadband office here will definitely be looking at how we can get > some of that money and deploy it where needed. The oversight board needs to > be really representative of and non profit organizations, agencies and > residents, and not tilted towards providers..It's true that covid put the > digital divide in stark relief, but it's not true that the patchwork of hot > spots etc offered a long-term solution. This might be the opportunity to > truly develop a broadband strategy that will be implemented. > Nan Rubin > Community Media services > Las Cruces > Z > On Fri, Apr 9, 2021, 12:59 PM Eric Renz-Whitmore > wrote: > > > I'm curious what folks in this group think. > > > > Any particular opportunities missed - and/or any aspects of this that > > merit continued eyes and engagement? > > > > e > > > > On Fri, Apr 9, 2021 at 10:50 AM Richard Lowenberg > wrote: > > > >> Gov. Lujan Grisham signs measures advancing broadband connection and > >> development > >> > >> Apr 7, 2021 | Press Releases > >> > >> > https://www.governor.state.nm.us/2021/04/07/gov-lujan-grisham-signs-measures-advancing-broadband-connection-and-development/ > >> > >> SANTA FE ? Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham on Wednesday signed a pair of > >> measures moving the state one step closer to providing New Mexico with > >> the broadband capacity to connect all New Mexicans to reliable, > >> high-speed internet. > >> > >> Senate Bill 93 establishes an Office of Broadband Access and Expansion > >> to centralize and coordinate broadband activities across state > >> government agencies, local governmental bodies, tribal governmental > >> organizations and internet service providers. The Office of Broadband > >> will be responsible for developing a three-year broadband strategic and > >> operational plan providing guiding principles and operational criteria > >> for significant broadband deployment and expansion for New Mexico. > >> > >> House Bill 10 establishes the Connect New Mexico Fund and the Connect > >> New Mexico Council, which will provide state grant funding for broadband > >> infrastructure statewide and conduct and enact oversight and > >> accountability requirements; the legislation also significantly > >> increases the annual distribution for broadband infrastructure from the > >> State Rural Universal Service Fund. > >> > >> The broadband office will conduct statewide meetings for the purpose of > >> gathering recommendations and feedback on how to best move forward with > >> existing stakeholder plans for broadband expansion for all New Mexicans. > >> > >> The Connect New Mexico Council will consist of 15 members who will > >> oversee $130 million in broadband grant and infrastructure > >> appropriations made in the 2021 session. > >> > >> Sponsors of the two measures included Sen. Michael Padilla, Sen. Liz > >> Stefanics, Rep. Natalie Figueroa, Rep. Joy Garratt, Rep. Susan Herrera, > >> Rep. Candie Sweetser and Rep. Christine Chandler. > >> > >> ?The pandemic has underscored the urgent need for reliable internet > >> access for every single student and family and business,? said Gov. > >> Lujan Grisham. ?We must and we will provide every New Mexican with > >> quality and affordable broadband service, and these measures advance the > >> subject.? > >> > >> ?Today marks a giant step forward for New Mexico,? said Sen. Michael > >> Padilla. ?The Office of Broadband Access and Expansion will help > >> centralize and coordinate our efforts to build out a broadband > >> infrastructure that will bring economic development, distance learning > >> and telehealth delivery across the state, including some of the hardest > >> to reach areas. And, this office could help generate close to a billion > >> dollars in federal funding for New Mexico ? critical dollars that will > >> go toward ensuring comprehensive coverage and the best use of the latest > >> technologies. Thank you Governor Lujan Grisham for signing this > >> important legislation.? > >> > >> ?A centralized and focused effort to deliver broadband across New Mexico > >> will be an economic driver for business owners, remote workers, and > >> companies looking to relocate to New Mexico and invest in new > >> technologies, ? said Economic Development Secretary Alicia J. Keyes. > >> > >> ?The digital divide is nothing new, but the pandemic made it clear that > >> closing it must be a priority for New Mexico if we?re going to honor our > >> commitment to provide every child with a full and equitable education,? > >> said Public Education Secretary Ryan Stewart. ?Through public-,, > >> private > >> partnerships, we narrowed the divide considerably this year by getting > >> many school children the access they needed to digital devices and > >> high-speed internet. With this legislation, we?re on the path to close > >> that divide once and for all.? > >> > >> ?The pandemic exposed the tremendous need for communications > >> infrastructure in our rural and tribal communities,? said Indian Affairs > >> Secretary Lynn Trujillo. ?Broadband access will help our students > >> succeed, local businesses thrive, and will ensure vital information > >> reaches every citizen in our state.? > >> > >> ?I look forward to working closely with the council members in > >> formulating a broadband framework plan that encompasses strategic > >> planning, program oversight, and grant award methodologies,? said > >> Information and Technology Secretary John Salazar. ?Many members of the > >> legislature on both sides of the aisle worked diligently over the past > >> year to understand the challenges we face in bringing broadband to New > >> Mexico and ensure passage of this much-needed legislation. We look > >> forward to working with them and stakeholders from a wide range of > >> communities in the months ahead to ensure every New Mexican can get the > >> reliable and affordable internet access they need and deserve.? > >> > >> The governor on Wednesday also signed Senate Bill 204, sponsored by Sen. > >> Michael Padilla, to provide access to the State Rural Universal Services > >> Fund to Sacred Wind Communications, which delivers broadband access to > >> the Navajo Nation and surrounding areas. > >> > >> > >> --------------------------------------------------------------- > >> Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > >> 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > >> Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > >> rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > >> --------------------------------------------------------------- > >> _______________________________________________ > >> 1st-mile-nm mailing list > >> 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > >> http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > >> > > > > > > -- > > ___ > > > > Eric Renz-Whitmore > > community centered economic development > > > > twitter: @ewhitmore > > cell: (505) 227-1086 > > > > _______________________________________________ > > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nmsfazq > > > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: < > http://mailman.dcn.org/pipermail/1st-mile-nm/attachments/20210409/19f8bb87/attachment-0001.html > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Sat, 10 Apr 2021 18:17:02 -0600 > From: Drew Einhorn > To: Nan Rubin > Cc: Eric Renz-Whitmore , Richard Lowenberg > , 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> > Subject: Re: [1st-mile-nm] Gov. Lujan Grisham signs measures advancing > broadband connection and development > Message-ID: > < > CAJ1u4k0aNmnTKOnAOmDBH-UUnytaFV+JrJKj0j98FmiZe+Ku1g at mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > - Look at the incumbent carriers' behavior in the past. > - Consider the Second Amended Settlement Agreement. > - The lawsuits that led to it. > - And, everything that followed. > - We can be sure: > - They will attempt to take all the money and run. > - They will attempt to claim whatever results from this is their > property. > - They will not willingly share any resources. > - They will attempt to prevent all competition. > - They will not invest any of their own money. > - The commission must ensure that the people and State of New Mexico > get what they pay for. > > > On Fri, Apr 9, 2021 at 4:09 PM Nan Rubin wrote: > > > I spoke to a number of people about this proposed legislation before it > > was passed, and to me it seemed like they were extremely strong on the > need > > for a real state - wide coordinator who could pull together the disparate > > interests of various agencies, plus keep an eye on opportunities for > > federal funding.. > > > > This development is very positive in terms of what the state needs. But > > it's absolutely worth keeping an eye on where the funding will go, and > how > > much the for-profit providers Will be allowed to get large contracts and > > still not deliver service. There's going to be a lot of money floating > > around, especially when the new infrastructure bill is passed by > Congress, > > since broadband is a major part of the bill. > > > > The broadband office here will definitely be looking at how we can get > > some of that money and deploy it where needed. The oversight board needs > to > > be really representative of and non profit organizations, agencies and > > residents, and not tilted towards providers..It's true that covid put the > > digital divide in stark relief, but it's not true that the patchwork of > hot > > spots etc offered a long-term solution. This might be the opportunity to > > truly develop a broadband strategy that will be implemented. > > Nan Rubin > > Community Media services > > Las Cruces > > Z > > On Fri, Apr 9, 2021, 12:59 PM Eric Renz-Whitmore > > wrote: > > > >> I'm curious what folks in this group think. > >> > >> Any particular opportunities missed - and/or any aspects of this that > >> merit continued eyes and engagement? > >> > >> e > >> > >> On Fri, Apr 9, 2021 at 10:50 AM Richard Lowenberg > >> wrote: > >> > >>> Gov. Lujan Grisham signs measures advancing broadband connection and > >>> development > >>> > >>> Apr 7, 2021 | Press Releases > >>> > >>> > https://www.governor.state.nm.us/2021/04/07/gov-lujan-grisham-signs-measures-advancing-broadband-connection-and-development/ > >>> > >>> SANTA FE ? Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham on Wednesday signed a pair > of > >>> measures moving the state one step closer to providing New Mexico with > >>> the broadband capacity to connect all New Mexicans to reliable, > >>> high-speed internet. > >>> > >>> Senate Bill 93 establishes an Office of Broadband Access and Expansion > >>> to centralize and coordinate broadband activities across state > >>> government agencies, local governmental bodies, tribal governmental > >>> organizations and internet service providers. The Office of Broadband > >>> will be responsible for developing a three-year broadband strategic and > >>> operational plan providing guiding principles and operational criteria > >>> for significant broadband deployment and expansion for New Mexico. > >>> > >>> House Bill 10 establishes the Connect New Mexico Fund and the Connect > >>> New Mexico Council, which will provide state grant funding for > broadband > >>> infrastructure statewide and conduct and enact oversight and > >>> accountability requirements; the legislation also significantly > >>> increases the annual distribution for broadband infrastructure from the > >>> State Rural Universal Service Fund. > >>> > >>> The broadband office will conduct statewide meetings for the purpose of > >>> gathering recommendations and feedback on how to best move forward with > >>> existing stakeholder plans for broadband expansion for all New > Mexicans. > >>> > >>> The Connect New Mexico Council will consist of 15 members who will > >>> oversee $130 million in broadband grant and infrastructure > >>> appropriations made in the 2021 session. > >>> > >>> Sponsors of the two measures included Sen. Michael Padilla, Sen. Liz > >>> Stefanics, Rep. Natalie Figueroa, Rep. Joy Garratt, Rep. Susan Herrera, > >>> Rep. Candie Sweetser and Rep. Christine Chandler. > >>> > >>> ?The pandemic has underscored the urgent need for reliable internet > >>> access for every single student and family and business,? said Gov. > >>> Lujan Grisham. ?We must and we will provide every New Mexican with > >>> quality and affordable broadband service, and these measures advance > the > >>> subject.? > >>> > >>> ?Today marks a giant step forward for New Mexico,? said Sen. Michael > >>> Padilla. ?The Office of Broadband Access and Expansion will help > >>> centralize and coordinate our efforts to build out a broadband > >>> infrastructure that will bring economic development, distance learning > >>> and telehealth delivery across the state, including some of the hardest > >>> to reach areas. And, this office could help generate close to a billion > >>> dollars in federal funding for New Mexico ? critical dollars that will > >>> go toward ensuring comprehensive coverage and the best use of the > latest > >>> technologies. Thank you Governor Lujan Grisham for signing this > >>> important legislation.? > >>> > >>> ?A centralized and focused effort to deliver broadband across New > Mexico > >>> will be an economic driver for business owners, remote workers, and > >>> companies looking to relocate to New Mexico and invest in new > >>> technologies, ? said Economic Development Secretary Alicia J. Keyes. > >>> > >>> ?The digital divide is nothing new, but the pandemic made it clear that > >>> closing it must be a priority for New Mexico if we?re going to honor > our > >>> commitment to provide every child with a full and equitable education,? > >>> said Public Education Secretary Ryan Stewart. ?Through public-,, > >>> private > >>> partnerships, we narrowed the divide considerably this year by getting > >>> many school children the access they needed to digital devices and > >>> high-speed internet. With this legislation, we?re on the path to close > >>> that divide once and for all.? > >>> > >>> ?The pandemic exposed the tremendous need for communications > >>> infrastructure in our rural and tribal communities,? said Indian > Affairs > >>> Secretary Lynn Trujillo. ?Broadband access will help our students > >>> succeed, local businesses thrive, and will ensure vital information > >>> reaches every citizen in our state.? > >>> > >>> ?I look forward to working closely with the council members in > >>> formulating a broadband framework plan that encompasses strategic > >>> planning, program oversight, and grant award methodologies,? said > >>> Information and Technology Secretary John Salazar. ?Many members of the > >>> legislature on both sides of the aisle worked diligently over the past > >>> year to understand the challenges we face in bringing broadband to New > >>> Mexico and ensure passage of this much-needed legislation. We look > >>> forward to working with them and stakeholders from a wide range of > >>> communities in the months ahead to ensure every New Mexican can get the > >>> reliable and affordable internet access they need and deserve.? > >>> > >>> The governor on Wednesday also signed Senate Bill 204, sponsored by > Sen. > >>> Michael Padilla, to provide access to the State Rural Universal > Services > >>> Fund to Sacred Wind Communications, which delivers broadband access to > >>> the Navajo Nation and surrounding areas. > >>> > >>> > >>> --------------------------------------------------------------- > >>> Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > >>> 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > >>> Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > >>> rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > >>> --------------------------------------------------------------- > >>> _______________________________________________ > >>> 1st-mile-nm mailing list > >>> 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > >>> http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > >>> > >> > >> > >> -- > >> ___ > >> > >> Eric Renz-Whitmore > >> community centered economic development > >> > >> twitter: @ewhitmore > >> cell: (505) 227-1086 > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> 1st-mile-nm mailing list > >> 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > >> http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nmsfazq > >> > > _______________________________________________ > > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > > > > > -- > Drew Einhorn > Where are we going? > And, why am I in this handbasket? > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: < > http://mailman.dcn.org/pipermail/1st-mile-nm/attachments/20210410/fa1bd015/attachment.html > > > > ------------------------------ > > Subject: Digest Footer > > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > > > ------------------------------ > > End of 1st-mile-nm Digest, Vol 174, Issue 2 > ******************************************* > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kgygiuw at gmail.com Wed Apr 14 13:18:24 2021 From: kgygiuw at gmail.com (Kathleen Gygi) Date: Wed, 14 Apr 2021 14:18:24 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] State Broadband Council Members? Message-ID: Happy Wednesday, All. HB10 created the Connect New Mexico Council to coordinate state broadband development efforts across state agencies and oversee the Connect New Mexico Fund. The Council will consist of 15 members: 5 cabinet secretaries or their designees (Transportation, PED, Cultural Affairs, Do-IT, and HED); the ED of the NM Mortgage Finance Authority and the Director of the Public Schools Facilities Authority; 3 appointed by the Secretary of Indian Affairs; and five members of (can be from public or private sectors) the public with experience with broadband access and connectivity challenges. In response to earlier posts about the need for a representative Council--it would be good to put forth recommendations for the public members--but to whom? They will be appointed as follows: one member each by the Speaker of the House, the House Minority Floor Leader, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, the Senate Minority Floor Leader, and the Governor. Any insights into how the appointment process will take place? Regards, Kathleen ------------------- Kathleen Gygi, PhD *UNM Design and Planning Assistance Center* *Consultant, Community Engagement and Program Evaluation* Albuquerque, NM 505-231-7616 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From rl at 1st-mile.org Mon Apr 26 13:53:47 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2021 14:53:47 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Valley TeleCom Upgrade Message-ID: <71a1e4f2d4024be31521b9e6bf22ea12@1st-mile.org> Valley TeleCom to upgrade fiber broadband network in Arizona, New Mexico https://www.lightwaveonline.com/network-design/dwdm-roadm/article/14202075/valley-telecom-to-upgrade-fiber-broadband-network-in-arizona-new-mexico Fujitsu Network Communications and distributor partner Power & Tel today say they will supply Valley TeleCom Group with elements of the Fujitsu 1FINITY optical networking platform family and Virtuora Network Controller (NC). Stephen Hardy, Apr. 26th, 2021 Fujitsu Network Communications and distributor partner Power & Tel today say they will supply Valley TeleCom Group with elements of the Fujitsu 1FINITY optical networking platform family and Virtuora Network Controller (NC). Valley TeleCom will use the technology to upgrade its fiber broadband network across its footprint in rural Arizona and New Mexico. The broadband services provider, founded in 1962, will deploy Fujitsu 1FINITY L100 Lambda blades as well as T300 and T310 Transport blades. The two blade types, when combined, enable colorless and directionless or colorless/directionless/contentionless (CDC) ROADM nodes. Overall, the 1FINITY systems will enable a significant network capacity increase while occupying a small space in Valley TeleCom?s hubs and nodes. The Virtuora NC will enable software-defined operations and management capabilities. ?Valley is evolving our network to continue delivering innovation that our subscribers expect,? said Kristi Lee, chief operations officer at Valley. ?By partnering with Fujitsu and Power & Tel on this latest network enhancement, we can continue to provide quality services that support our local businesses, schools, and families.? ?Valley?s decision to upgrade their network reflects a common need among many rural service providers,? added Annie Bogue, head of sales and marketing at Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc. ?By selecting the 1FINITY platform, Valley is able to meet their bandwidth needs today, while ensuring a cost-efficient path for network evolution.? ?Connecting our customers with the best possible products and solutions that are cost-effective and enhance their business is our goal,? stated Jennifer Sims, CEO at Power & Tel. ?We are delighted that we could help Valley TeleCom in the deployment of the 1FINITY platform. We firmly believe our customers deserve a partner that they can rely on for the right material at the right place at the right time ? every time.? --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Fri Apr 30 10:12:12 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Fri, 30 Apr 2021 11:12:12 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] =?utf-8?q?State_BB_Stat=E2=80=99s_2021?= Message-ID: <903d81d53b8c7af93abba74ba7f68761@1st-mile.org> Here are some simple broadband statistics for New Mexico and it's neighboring Four-Corners States. The percentages are assuredly even greater, given the inaccuracy of reporting, mapping and assessments to date, that are of critical concern as states attempt to bridge networking disparities. RL -------- From the Benton Foundation: https://www.benton.org/blog/does-your-state-need-more-broadband To try to capture the scale of the U.S.'s broadband challenge, the White House released state-by-state fact sheets examining the status of each state's infrastructure. For broadband, the fact sheets look at what percentage of residents have access to 100/10 Mbps broadband service, how many providers compete to provide 100/10 service, and how many people remain unconnected. Arizona 14% of Arizonans live in areas where there is no broadband infrastructure that provides 100/10 speeds. 45% of Arizonans live in areas where there is only one such internet provider. 13% of Arizona households do not have an internet subscription. Colorado 12.1% of Coloradans live in areas where there is no broadband infrastructure that provides 100/10 speeds. 38.1% of Coloradans live in areas where there is only one such internet provider. 9% of Colorado households do not have an internet subscription. New Mexico 22% of New Mexico residents live in areas where there is no broadband infrastructure that provides 100/10 speeds. 68.9% of New Mexicans live in areas where there is only one such internet provider. 21% of New Mexico households do not have an internet subscription. Utah 9.25% of Utahns live in areas where there is no broadband infrastructure that provides 100/10 speeds. 54.35% of Utahns live in areas where there is only one such internet provider. 9.2% of Utah households do not have an internet subscription. --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From drew.einhorn at gmail.com Mon May 3 08:14:46 2021 From: drew.einhorn at gmail.com (Drew Einhorn) Date: Mon, 3 May 2021 09:14:46 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Judge Rules State Must Provide Internet and Computers To Students Message-ID: https://abq.news/2021/05/judge-rules-state-must-provide-internet-and-computers-to-students The article says there are requirements for the quality of the internet connection. But, it does not give details. Other than that, it must be good enough for video calls. -- Drew Einhorn Where are we going? And, why am I in this handbasket? -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From rl at 1st-mile.org Mon May 10 09:23:06 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Mon, 10 May 2021 10:23:06 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] US Broadband Map (Microsoft Data) Message-ID: THIS IS A MAP OF AMERICA?S BROADBAND PROBLEM A county-by-county look at the broadband gap By Russell Brandom and William Joel, The Verge, May 10, 2021 https://www.theverge.com/22418074/broadband-gap-america-map-county-microsoft-data (snip) This map shows where the broadband problem is worst ? the areas where the difficulty of reliably connecting to the internet has gotten bad enough to become a drag on everyday life. Specifically, the colored-in areas show US counties where less than 15 percent of households are using the internet at broadband speed, defined as 25Mbps download speed. Instead of the FCC?s data, we drew on an anonymized dataset collected by Microsoft through its cloud services network, published in increments by the company over the past 18 months. If the FCC monitors the connections that providers say they?re offering, this measures what they?re actually getting. You can roll over specific counties to see the exact percentage of households connected at broadband speed, and the data is publicly available on GitHub if you want to check our work or drill down further. (snip) --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Verge-BB-Map.png Type: image/png Size: 681467 bytes Desc: not available URL: From rl at 1st-mile.org Mon May 10 12:44:52 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Mon, 10 May 2021 13:44:52 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Question about NM-Sceye Inc. Contract ? Message-ID: From the May 07, 2021 ? Theresa Davis, Albuquerque Journal New Mexico Examines Barriers to Navajo Internet Access Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the Internet gaps across the 27,000-square-mile reservation. Only 46 percent of households on tribal lands have basic broadband access. https://www.govtech.com/network/new-mexico-examines-barriers-to-navajo-internet-access ------ At the end of the article there is this sentence: The state is also nearing completion on a $3.2 million contract for a Sceye Inc. study using blimp-like balloons to provide Internet, which could bridge the access gap for rural tribal areas. https://www.sceye.com/ Does anyone know more about this $3.2 million contract for a study ? R. --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From mharris at visgence.com Mon May 10 13:04:32 2021 From: mharris at visgence.com (Michael Harris) Date: Mon, 10 May 2021 14:04:32 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Question about NM-Sceye Inc. Contract ? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: It seems like $3.2M could build an awful lot of fixed microwave infrastructure, even if it had to be completely off-grid... Are there additional legal barriers to getting ROW or other issues with fixed wireless on tribal land? -Michael On Mon, May 10, 2021 at 1:44 PM Richard Lowenberg wrote: > From the May 07, 2021 ? Theresa Davis, Albuquerque Journal > > New Mexico Examines Barriers to Navajo Internet Access > > Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said the COVID-19 pandemic has > highlighted the Internet gaps across the 27,000-square-mile reservation. > Only 46 percent of households on tribal lands have basic broadband > access. > > > https://www.govtech.com/network/new-mexico-examines-barriers-to-navajo-internet-access > > ------ > > At the end of the article there is this sentence: > > The state is also nearing completion on a $3.2 million contract for a > Sceye Inc. study using blimp-like balloons to provide Internet, which > could bridge the access gap for rural tribal areas. > https://www.sceye.com/ > > Does anyone know more about this $3.2 million contract for a study ? > > R. > > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > --------------------------------------------------------------- > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > -- Michael Harris -- President, Visgence Inc. www.visgence.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jbadal at sacredwindnm.com Mon May 10 13:22:34 2021 From: jbadal at sacredwindnm.com (John Badal) Date: Mon, 10 May 2021 20:22:34 +0000 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Question about NM-Sceye Inc. Contract ? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Michael, First of all, one of Sceye's airships can cover nearly ? of the state and seems to be a good bang for the buck. And, to answer your question about ROW on tribal lands - whether a 195' tower, a 50' monopole, or 10 miles of fiber cable, the ROW process is essentially the same. Commonly it takes us 2 years to get a land use permit for a single tower. The ROW for one tower, where the land survey was a few feet off, took us 7 years. One tribe and 2 federal agencies were involved and they just couldn't get over the confusion of a past erroneous survey. John From: 1st-mile-nm <1st-mile-nm-bounces at mailman.dcn.org> On Behalf Of Michael Harris Sent: Monday, May 10, 2021 2:05 PM To: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> Subject: Re: [1st-mile-nm] Question about NM-Sceye Inc. Contract ? It seems like $3.2M could build an awful lot of fixed microwave infrastructure, even if it had to be completely off-grid... Are there additional legal barriers to getting ROW or other issues with fixed wireless on tribal land? -Michael On Mon, May 10, 2021 at 1:44 PM Richard Lowenberg > wrote: From the May 07, 2021 * Theresa Davis, Albuquerque Journal New Mexico Examines Barriers to Navajo Internet Access Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the Internet gaps across the 27,000-square-mile reservation. Only 46 percent of households on tribal lands have basic broadband access. https://www.govtech.com/network/new-mexico-examines-barriers-to-navajo-internet-access ------ At the end of the article there is this sentence: The state is also nearing completion on a $3.2 million contract for a Sceye Inc. study using blimp-like balloons to provide Internet, which could bridge the access gap for rural tribal areas. https://www.sceye.com/ Does anyone know more about this $3.2 million contract for a study ? R. --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________ 1st-mile-nm mailing list 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm -- Michael Harris -- President, Visgence Inc. www.visgence.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From drtlesterthomas at gmail.com Mon May 10 16:22:19 2021 From: drtlesterthomas at gmail.com (Timothy L. Thomas) Date: Mon, 10 May 2021 17:22:19 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] 1st-mile-nm Digest, Vol 175, Issue 2 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I looked over the web site, https://www.sceye.com/ . Interesting. It will be more interesting to see that report, which I assume will be public when it's finished. -TLT Message: 1 > Date: Mon, 10 May 2021 13:44:52 -0600 > From: Richard Lowenberg > To: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> > Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Question about NM-Sceye Inc. Contract ? > Message-ID: > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed > > From the May 07, 2021 ? Theresa Davis, Albuquerque Journal > > New Mexico Examines Barriers to Navajo Internet Access > > Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said the COVID-19 pandemic has > highlighted the Internet gaps across the 27,000-square-mile reservation. > Only 46 percent of households on tribal lands have basic broadband > access. > > > https://www.govtech.com/network/new-mexico-examines-barriers-to-navajo-internet-access > > ------ > > At the end of the article there is this sentence: > > The state is also nearing completion on a $3.2 million contract for a > Sceye Inc. study using blimp-like balloons to provide Internet, which > could bridge the access gap for rural tribal areas. > https://www.sceye.com/ > > Does anyone know more about this $3.2 million contract for a study ? > > R. > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > --------------------------------------------------------------- > > > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From owen at backspaces.net Mon May 10 19:00:30 2021 From: owen at backspaces.net (Owen Densmore) Date: Mon, 10 May 2021 20:00:30 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] =?utf-8?q?State_BB_Stat=E2=80=99s_2021?= In-Reply-To: <903d81d53b8c7af93abba74ba7f68761@1st-mile.org> References: <903d81d53b8c7af93abba74ba7f68761@1st-mile.org> Message-ID: Here's another On Fri, Apr 30, 2021 at 11:12 AM Richard Lowenberg wrote: > Here are some simple broadband statistics for New Mexico and it's > neighboring Four-Corners States. The percentages are assuredly even > greater, given the inaccuracy of reporting, mapping and assessments to > date, that are of critical concern as states attempt to bridge > networking disparities. > > RL > > -------- > > From the Benton Foundation: > https://www.benton.org/blog/does-your-state-need-more-broadband > > To try to capture the scale of the U.S.'s broadband challenge, the White > House released state-by-state fact sheets examining the status of each > state's infrastructure. For broadband, the fact sheets look at what > percentage of residents have access to 100/10 Mbps broadband service, > how many providers compete to provide 100/10 service, and how many > people remain unconnected. > > Arizona > 14% of Arizonans live in areas where there is no broadband > infrastructure that provides 100/10 speeds. > 45% of Arizonans live in areas where there is only one such internet > provider. > 13% of Arizona households do not have an internet subscription. > > Colorado > 12.1% of Coloradans live in areas where there is no broadband > infrastructure that provides 100/10 speeds. > 38.1% of Coloradans live in areas where there is only one such internet > provider. > 9% of Colorado households do not have an internet subscription. > > New Mexico > 22% of New Mexico residents live in areas where there is no broadband > infrastructure that provides 100/10 speeds. > 68.9% of New Mexicans live in areas where there is only one such > internet provider. > 21% of New Mexico households do not have an internet subscription. > > Utah > 9.25% of Utahns live in areas where there is no broadband infrastructure > that provides 100/10 speeds. > 54.35% of Utahns live in areas where there is only one such internet > provider. > 9.2% of Utah households do not have an internet subscription. > > > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > --------------------------------------------------------------- > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From rl at 1st-mile.org Thu May 13 10:24:52 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Thu, 13 May 2021 11:24:52 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Federal BB Support Information Message-ID: From the Benton Institute: How the FCC Will Help Schools and Libraries Bridge the Digital Divide https://www.benton.org/blog/how-fcc-will-help-schools-and-libraries-bridge-digital-divide --------------- and, from AARP: AARP Urges Older Americans Struggling to Access and Afford High-Speed Internet to Enroll in New Emergency Broadband Benefit Program https://press.aarp.org/2021-5-12-AARP-Urges-Older-Americans-Struggling-to-Access-and-Afford-High-Speed-Internet-to-Enroll-in-New-Emergency-Broadband-Benefit-Program --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Fri May 14 11:28:36 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Fri, 14 May 2021 12:28:36 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Question about NM-Sceye Inc. Contract ? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Here's a response from Theresa Davis, writer of the article on Sceye. >> Thanks for reading the Journal. The money is awarded by the NM >> Economic Development Department. The state uses the term "study," but >> I think a better term is pilot project, since Sceye will actually >> deploy the airships to determine the viability of distributing >> internet signals via that technology. I've also included some relevant >> links.<< https://www.abqjournal.com/2384504/new-mexico-to-fund-blimp-broadband-study-for-rural-internet.html https://www.abqjournal.com/1487318/sceye-inc-to-build-stratospheric-airships-in-nm.html Thank you, Theresa Davis Albuquerque Journal ------- On 2021-05-10 13:44, Richard Lowenberg wrote: > From the May 07, 2021 ? Theresa Davis, Albuquerque Journal > > New Mexico Examines Barriers to Navajo Internet Access > > Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said the COVID-19 pandemic has > highlighted the Internet gaps across the 27,000-square-mile > reservation. Only 46 percent of households on tribal lands have basic > broadband access. > > https://www.govtech.com/network/new-mexico-examines-barriers-to-navajo-internet-access > > ------ > > At the end of the article there is this sentence: > > The state is also nearing completion on a $3.2 million contract for a > Sceye Inc. study using blimp-like balloons to provide Internet, which > could bridge the access gap for rural tribal areas. > https://www.sceye.com/ > > Does anyone know more about this $3.2 million contract for a study ? > > R. > --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Wed May 19 10:39:42 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Wed, 19 May 2021 11:39:42 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] NTIA Broadband Infrastructure Grant Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <5861eeac32c639da839397bb1ba99015@1st-mile.org> Commerce Department's NTIA Announces $288 Million in Funding Available to States to Build Broadband Infrastructure https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=333684 WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced today the availability of $288 million in grant funding [1] for the deployment of broadband infrastructure. Grants will be awarded to partnerships between a state, or political subdivisions of a state, and providers of fixed broadband service. NTIA's Broadband Infrastructure Program was established by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In the priority order defined by the Act, NTIA will accept applications for projects that are designed to: 1. Provide broadband service to the greatest number of households in an eligible service area; 2. Provide broadband service to rural areas; 3. Be most cost-effective in providing broadband service; or 4. Provide broadband service with a download speed of at least 100 Mbps and an upload speed of at least 20 Mbps. NTIA will group applications based on the priority above that each application addresses, and will sequence its review of application groups in the statutory order listed above. "As a former governor, I know that state and local leaders have the best understanding of the gaps in their broadband infrastructure. This program will allow states and localities to partner with providers to target this funding toward the areas where it is most needed and can do the most good," said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. "While these grants will lay the foundation, we know that we need even bolder investments in broadband expansion to finish the job. President Biden's American Jobs Plan will provide the resources to continue these broadband infrastructure buildouts until one hundred percent of Americans have access to high-speed, affordable, and reliable broadband." "NTIA has built durable partnerships with the states through our State Broadband Leaders Network, and with local governments and their broadband initiatives through our technical assistance offerings and other efforts," said Acting NTIA Administrator Evelyn Remaley. "We are eager to put these relationships to work to ensure a successful program that expands broadband infrastructure in communities that need it most." More information about the program, including requirements for grant applications, can be found in the Notice of Funding Opportunity published today on grants.gov . NTIA is also holding a series of webinars to further inform the public about the program. The next Broadband Infrastructure webinars will be held on June 9 and 10. --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Mon May 24 15:07:17 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Mon, 24 May 2021 16:07:17 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] =?utf-8?q?First_Take_on_NTIA=E2=80=99s_Newest_Broad?= =?utf-8?q?band_Grant_Program?= Message-ID: First Take on NTIA?s Newest Broadband Grant Program From broadband planning and engineering firm, CTC, which has previously consulted under NM DoIT Broadband Program contracts. https://www.ctcnet.us/blog/first-take-on-ntias-newest-broadband-grant-program/ The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) on May 19, 2021, for the Broadband Infrastructure Program?what the Consolidated Appropriations Act referred to as the Promote Broadband Expansion Grant Program. The funding window for submission of grant applications is now open and will close on August 17, 2021. This program represents a remarkable opportunity for communities and their private partners. Based on our first take on the NOFO, NTIA will fund projects that represent win-win, shared-risk scenarios as between public and private entities: projects in which public entities fund, build, and maintain communications infrastructure assets and their private partners operate those networks and provide services to the public. This is a model we?ve long analyzed, developed, and championed because of the opportunity for communities to share risk and effort with private partners. Here are key points you should understand about the program in general: (snip) --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Fri Jun 4 10:00:15 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Fri, 04 Jun 2021 11:00:15 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] NTIA Tribal Broadband Funding In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: NTIA issued a NOFO to describe the requirements under which it will award grants for the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program. https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From jdiru at me.com Fri Jun 4 10:38:13 2021 From: jdiru at me.com (John DiRuggiero) Date: Fri, 4 Jun 2021 11:38:13 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] NTIA Tribal Broadband Funding In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: FYI, The link is? > On Jun 4, 2021, at 11:00 AM, Richard Lowenberg wrote: > > > > NTIA issued a NOFO to describe the requirements under which it > will award grants for the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program. > > https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html > > > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > --------------------------------------------------------------- > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm From rl at 1st-mile.org Fri Jun 4 10:49:16 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Fri, 04 Jun 2021 11:49:16 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] NTIA Tribal Broadband Announcement Message-ID: Not sure what the problem was with my prior posting link, but here's another link to the NTIA announcement. https://www.ntia.gov/press-release/2021/department-commerce-s-ntia-announces-nearly-1-billion-funding-expand-broadband RL --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Fri Jun 11 18:37:36 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Fri, 11 Jun 2021 19:37:36 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] A couple of NM news items Message-ID: <51119e3d5340968d1962d5b64ee51f92@1st-mile.org> New Mexico begins push to improve spotty internet access June 10, 2021 https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/new-mexico-begins-push-to-improve-spotty-internet-access/article_7f5a2db1-6cca-517e-a5ec-6d01f9deef93.html Attached is the NM Science, Technology and Telecommunications Committee Report ------ $1 Billion for Broadband Infrastructure on Tribal Lands A Benton Institute Weekly Digest Report https://www.benton.org/blog/1-billion-broadband-infrastructure-tribal-lands --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: STTC 061021 Item 1 DoIT Update.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 584513 bytes Desc: not available URL: From rl at 1st-mile.org Sat Jun 26 09:03:31 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Sat, 26 Jun 2021 10:03:31 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] New Mexico announces $26M in infrastructure investments for tribes Message-ID: <006ae0fc0b6e3515b78e9d219a8df353@1st-mile.org> New Mexico announces $26M in infrastructure investments for tribes By Rick Ruggles rruggles at sfnewmexican.com Jun 25, 2021 https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/new-mexico-announces-26m-in-infrastructure-investments-for-tribes/article_e4054294-d5f4-11eb-a7c2-1b6e55a590eb.html Nine tribal communities received a total of $26 million for 17 infrastructure projects, the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department reported Friday. The Tribal Infrastructure Fund Board awarded improvements for water systems, roads, buildings, wastewater treatment and other items. This year?s awards make up the highest amount of money allocated to tribal communities since the program was established, the state Indian Affairs Department said. The Tribal Infrastructure Fund Board was formed in 2005. The board evaluates proposals from tribal communities and seeks improvement projects that can begin immediately. In a statement, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said she was proud her administration could play a role in the program. ?These funds will make a real, significant difference for families, workers and for economic development and quality of life on tribal land in New Mexico,? she said. Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said: ?We have a great partnership with the state of New Mexico, and we want to strengthen that partnership through the completion of these projects.? And Mescalero Apache Tribe President Gabe Aguilar said the money to his community ?will go toward repairing a heavily traveled and dangerous road that is used mainly by residents and school buses.? In ascending order, the top 10 amounts went to Ohkay Owingeh ($1.1 million); Santo Domingo Pueblo ($1.2 million); San Ildefonso Pueblo ($1.4 million); Santa Clara Pueblo ($2.2 million); Taos Pueblo ($2.2 million and another for $2.5 million); Crownpoint Chapter, Navajo Nation ($2.6 million); To?Hajiilee Chapter, Navajo Nation ($3.6 million); Santa Ana Pueblo ($4 million); and Mescalero Apache Tribe ($4 million). --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Fri Jul 16 12:01:37 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Fri, 16 Jul 2021 13:01:37 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Links of possible interest to some on this list. Message-ID: <7cdb23a5a8f9ce1fc530f32d18b6f93d@1st-mile.org> https://groups.google.com/a/digitalinclusion.org/g/listserv/c/4CYoVDNUdfo/m/RdXW43mCAQAJ https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/resources/grant-programs/tribal-broadband-connectivity-program --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Sun Jul 18 11:04:16 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Sun, 18 Jul 2021 12:04:16 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] California Broadband Initiative Message-ID: <55abdf3726d39027e734a37af2662093@1st-mile.org> (An important example. RL ) ----------------------------- California?s ambitious fiber-Internet plan approved unanimously by legislature CA to build middle-mile network open to all ISPs and give $2B in last-mile grants. https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2021/07/california-passes-historic-plan-for-statewide-open-access-fiber-network/ JON BRODKIN - 7/16/2021 The California legislature unanimously approved a plan to build a statewide, open-access fiber network yesterday. The legislation was supported by Democrats and Republicans in votes of 78-0 in the California Assembly and 39-0 in the state Senate. The statewide, open-access fiber lines will function as a "middle-mile" network that carries data from Internet backbone networks to connection points in cities and rural areas. A middle-mile network doesn't extend all the way to residential properties, but "last-mile" ISPs can get access to it and focus on building infrastructure that connects the middle mile to homes. California's decision to make the middle-mile network open-access means it will provide "non-discriminatory access to eligible entities on a technology and competitively neutral basis, regardless of whether the entity is privately or publicly owned," the bill text said. If all goes as planned, the network will make it easier for existing ISPs to expand and for new ISPs to get started, filling in gaps where there's no modern access and boosting competition and speeds in other areas. Last-mile ISPs could use network technology other than fiber to connect to homes because of the provision allowing technology-neutral access. (snip) --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From john at citylinkfiber.com Mon Jul 19 18:28:20 2021 From: john at citylinkfiber.com (John Brown) Date: Mon, 19 Jul 2021 19:28:20 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Comcast / Xfinity hogging WiFi spectrum Message-ID: Seems that Comcast / xfinity is hogging up a bunch of the 5Ghz WiFi spectrum. I'm seeing more and more comcast AP's around Albuquerque using full 80Mhz wide channels, with higher power output levels. All this does is significantly increase the Noise Floor and thus REDUCE the usefulness of the spectrum. 80Mhz channels flat out aren't needed in side a business or a home. There maybe a few special use corner cases, but the typical business / home user doesn't need that channel width. Ergo the harm being done is far greater than the benefit. Remember that the FCC rules for 5Ghz is that you cannot cause any interference on someone else. COMCAST YOU ARE CAUSING INTERFERENCE. Please run the script to push your cable routers/ AP's back to 20Mhz or 40Mhz wide channels. -- Respectfully, John Brown, CISSP Managing Member, CityLink Telecommunications NM, LLC From rl at 1st-mile.org Wed Jul 21 16:09:29 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2021 17:09:29 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Socorro Cable Broadband Message-ID: <2c764a44e68c573c91ebf9ef7c39a288@1st-mile.org> TDS Telecom Agrees to Fiber Network Expansion in Socorro, NM https://www.socorronm.gov/announcements/tds/ TDS Telecom (TDS?) has reached agreement with Socorro city officials to build an upgraded communication network capable to deliver up to 1,000Mbps/1Gig internet, TV, and phone service. ?It is with great excitement and pleasure to inform you high-speed broadband services are heading to our community, said Ravi Bhasker, mayor of the City of Socorro. Currently, TDS provides TV services to the residents of Socorro. The new project is private sector investment and is currently in the pre-construction phase. Construction on the network is expected to begin in 2022. Once completed the network upgrade would enable 1Gig internet speeds along with TDS? sophisticated video product and phone service to roughly 5,300 new addresses. (snip) City of Socorro, July 16, 2021 A Broadband Committee with members from the City of Socorro, County of Socorro, New Mexico Tech, and NRAO are working with Finley Engineering and CCG Consulting in securing an ISP along with grant money to bring high speed internet to the entire County of Socorro. City of Socorro, July 20, 2021 The meetings were held using GoToMeeting and were not recorded. The Committee consisted of the following: City of Socorro ? Ravi Bhasker, Donald Monette, Polo Pineda Socorro County ? Michael Hawkes NRAO ? James Robnett, Heather Cochran New Mexico Tech ? Daniel Lunceford, Joe Franklin Socorro Consolidated Schools ? Jeff Tull Finley Engineering ? Andy Heins, Dan Carter CCG Consulting ? Doug Dawson Additional information here on this project is appreciated. RL --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Tue Jul 27 11:48:47 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Tue, 27 Jul 2021 12:48:47 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] FCC RDOF (Rural Digital Opportunity Fund) : NM Winning Bids + Defaults Message-ID: <2c69d2662b5c32f80a6a4ef759cbca1e@1st-mile.org> FCC Makes Available Over $311 Million For Broadband In 36 States July 26, 2021 https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-announces-over-311-million-broadband-acts-clean-rdof Ready to Authorize Long-Form Applicants and Winning Bids in NM PVT NetWorks, Inc. ------- Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Bid Defaults Announced Description: RBATF, WCB, and OEA, announce that certain RDOF (Auction 904) winning bidders or winning bidders' assignees do not intend to pursue some or all of their winning bids Bids in Default in NM AMG Technology Investment Group LLC City of Farmington NMSURF, Inc. Pathfinders USA Inc --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Tue Jul 27 15:09:15 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Tue, 27 Jul 2021 16:09:15 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] The New Mexico Broadband Collective Message-ID: The New Mexico (NM) Broadband Collective is made up of a diverse group of funders and nonprofits throughout New Mexico that believe it is necessary to have a statewide approach to ensuring broadband services for all New Mexicans, especially in our most rural communities, native communities, and communities impacted by the lack of broadband connectivity ? to promote coordination of funding, resources, collaborative conversations, legislative efforts, and to amplify our statewide partnership efforts. The Community and Regional Efforts Workgroup of the NM Broadband Collective would like to know how many NM (eligible) organizations plan to apply for the NTIA broadband funding, and any current or upcoming opportunities for support or collaboration. a. $288M ? Deadline August 17 (in 3 ? weeks). https://www.ntia.doc.gov/press-release/2021/commerce-department-s-ntia-announces-288-million-funding-available-states-build b. $1B ? Deadline September 1st (5 ? weeks). This is for tribal organizations, but state or counties could help/join? https://www.ntia.doc.gov/press-release/2021/department-commerce-s-ntia-announces-nearly-1-billion-funding-expand-broadband New Mexico Counties and Tribal Broadband Surveys are now being prepared and sent out. To learn more about or to more actively participate in the NM Broadband Collective, and/or to respond to the funding application query, please contact: The New Mexico Association of Grantmakers (NMAG) https://www.centerfornonprofitexcellence.org/contact-us Attached is preliminary Collective information sheet (with minor error). RL --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 210609 NEW MEXICO BROADBAND COLLECTIVE_NMAG Contact Information.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 2348511 bytes Desc: not available URL: From ewhitmore at gmail.com Tue Jul 27 16:14:26 2021 From: ewhitmore at gmail.com (Eric Renz-Whitmore) Date: Tue, 27 Jul 2021 17:14:26 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] The New Mexico Broadband Collective In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Thanks for sharing this great, actionable content! On Tue, Jul 27, 2021 at 4:09 PM Richard Lowenberg wrote: > The New Mexico (NM) Broadband Collective is made up of a diverse group > of funders and nonprofits throughout New Mexico that believe it is > necessary to have a statewide approach to ensuring broadband services > for all New Mexicans, especially in our most rural communities, native > communities, and communities impacted by the lack of broadband > connectivity ? to promote coordination of funding, resources, > collaborative conversations, legislative efforts, and to amplify our > statewide partnership efforts. > > The Community and Regional Efforts Workgroup of the NM Broadband > Collective would like to know how many NM (eligible) organizations plan > to apply for the NTIA broadband funding, and any current or upcoming > opportunities for support or collaboration. > > a. $288M ? Deadline August 17 (in 3 ? weeks). > > https://www.ntia.doc.gov/press-release/2021/commerce-department-s-ntia-announces-288-million-funding-available-states-build > > b. $1B ? Deadline September 1st (5 ? weeks). This is for tribal > organizations, but state or counties could help/join? > > https://www.ntia.doc.gov/press-release/2021/department-commerce-s-ntia-announces-nearly-1-billion-funding-expand-broadband > > New Mexico Counties and Tribal Broadband Surveys are now being prepared > and sent out. > > To learn more about or to more actively participate in the NM Broadband > Collective, and/or to respond to the funding application query, please > contact: > > The New Mexico Association of Grantmakers (NMAG) > https://www.centerfornonprofitexcellence.org/contact-us > > Attached is preliminary Collective information sheet (with minor error). > > > RL > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > > ---------------------------------------------------------------_______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > -- ___ Eric Renz-Whitmore community interest economic development Global Entrepreneurship Week returns November 8-14! twitter: @ewhitmore cell: (505) 227-1086 calendly: https://calendly.com/ewhitmore/intro -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nanrubin at gmail.com Wed Jul 28 12:39:32 2021 From: nanrubin at gmail.com (Nan Rubin) Date: Wed, 28 Jul 2021 13:39:32 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] The New Mexico Broadband Collective In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I have a great deal of experience writing and reviewing NTIA grants. I would be happy to provide support for any grant preparation where it might be useful. Nan Rubin Las Cruces *========================* *"Sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel is only New Jersey."* * ---- Jon Stewart* Nan Rubin *Community Media Services* 917-656-0886 *(I'm on Rocky Mt Time!)* www.Nanrubin.net On Tue, Jul 27, 2021 at 4:10 PM Richard Lowenberg wrote: > The New Mexico (NM) Broadband Collective is made up of a diverse group > of funders and nonprofits throughout New Mexico that believe it is > necessary to have a statewide approach to ensuring broadband services > for all New Mexicans, especially in our most rural communities, native > communities, and communities impacted by the lack of broadband > connectivity ? to promote coordination of funding, resources, > collaborative conversations, legislative efforts, and to amplify our > statewide partnership efforts. > > The Community and Regional Efforts Workgroup of the NM Broadband > Collective would like to know how many NM (eligible) organizations plan > to apply for the NTIA broadband funding, and any current or upcoming > opportunities for support or collaboration. > > a. $288M ? Deadline August 17 (in 3 ? weeks). > > https://www.ntia.doc.gov/press-release/2021/commerce-department-s-ntia-announces-288-million-funding-available-states-build > > b. $1B ? Deadline September 1st (5 ? weeks). This is for tribal > organizations, but state or counties could help/join? > > https://www.ntia.doc.gov/press-release/2021/department-commerce-s-ntia-announces-nearly-1-billion-funding-expand-broadband > > New Mexico Counties and Tribal Broadband Surveys are now being prepared > and sent out. > > To learn more about or to more actively participate in the NM Broadband > Collective, and/or to respond to the funding application query, please > contact: > > The New Mexico Association of Grantmakers (NMAG) > https://www.centerfornonprofitexcellence.org/contact-us > > Attached is preliminary Collective information sheet (with minor error). > > > RL > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > > ---------------------------------------------------------------_______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From john at citylinkfiber.com Fri Jul 30 01:54:31 2021 From: john at citylinkfiber.com (John Brown) Date: Fri, 30 Jul 2021 02:54:31 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] First 100 Gig customer, turned up today. Message-ID: Hi, Another first for New Mexico. Locally owned ISP, CityLink Telecommunications has just completed turning up our first 100 Gig DIA (Dedicated Internet Access) customer. Our customer upgraded from a 10 Gig connection to a 100Gig connection. These are full rate, no limit 100 Gig pipes (Yes that is ONE HUNDRED GIG) At a price point well below $0.085 / Mb/s Customer #2 is already to go, just waiting for the scheduled maintenance window. Customer #3 is in the pipeline awaiting equipment for their network. It is sad to see how much money is wasted on bandwidth costs with all those out of state companies...... Local companies do it better!!! Our tight team has done a great job getting us to this milestone. Facilities in ABQ, LAX, SJC, ASH, LHR, GRU, ORD 800+ BGP sessions -- Respectfully, John Brown, CISSP Managing Member, CityLink Telecommunications NM, LLC From Jackie.Miramontes at nmag.org Fri Jul 30 13:02:51 2021 From: Jackie.Miramontes at nmag.org (Jackie Miramontes) Date: Fri, 30 Jul 2021 20:02:51 +0000 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] The New Mexico Broadband Collective Message-ID: Hi Nan, I will add your email to our contact list ? thank you. I will also reach out when we have further information regarding our coordination efforts with local grant writers. Attentively, Jackie From: 1st-mile-nm <1st-mile-nm-bounces at mailman.dcn.org> On Behalf Of Nan Rubin Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2021 1:40 PM To: Richard Lowenberg Cc: Terra Winter ; 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> Subject: Re: [1st-mile-nm] The New Mexico Broadband Collective You don't often get email from nanrubin at gmail.com. Learn why this is important I have a great deal of experience writing and reviewing NTIA grants. I would be happy to provide support for any grant preparation where it might be useful. Nan Rubin Las Cruces ======================== "Sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel is only New Jersey." ---- Jon Stewart Nan Rubin Community Media Services 917-656-0886 (I'm on Rocky Mt Time!) www.Nanrubin.net On Tue, Jul 27, 2021 at 4:10 PM Richard Lowenberg > wrote: The New Mexico (NM) Broadband Collective is made up of a diverse group of funders and nonprofits throughout New Mexico that believe it is necessary to have a statewide approach to ensuring broadband services for all New Mexicans, especially in our most rural communities, native communities, and communities impacted by the lack of broadband connectivity ? to promote coordination of funding, resources, collaborative conversations, legislative efforts, and to amplify our statewide partnership efforts. The Community and Regional Efforts Workgroup of the NM Broadband Collective would like to know how many NM (eligible) organizations plan to apply for the NTIA broadband funding, and any current or upcoming opportunities for support or collaboration. a. $288M ? Deadline August 17 (in 3 ? weeks). https://www.ntia.doc.gov/press-release/2021/commerce-department-s-ntia-announces-288-million-funding-available-states-build b. $1B ? Deadline September 1st (5 ? weeks). This is for tribal organizations, but state or counties could help/join? https://www.ntia.doc.gov/press-release/2021/department-commerce-s-ntia-announces-nearly-1-billion-funding-expand-broadband New Mexico Counties and Tribal Broadband Surveys are now being prepared and sent out. To learn more about or to more actively participate in the NM Broadband Collective, and/or to respond to the funding application query, please contact: The New Mexico Association of Grantmakers (NMAG) https://www.centerfornonprofitexcellence.org/contact-us Attached is preliminary Collective information sheet (with minor error). RL --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org ---------------------------------------------------------------_______________________________________________ 1st-mile-nm mailing list 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nanrubin at gmail.com Fri Jul 30 13:32:38 2021 From: nanrubin at gmail.com (Nan Rubin) Date: Fri, 30 Jul 2021 14:32:38 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] The New Mexico Broadband Collective In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Excellent, thank you! On Fri, Jul 30, 2021, 2:02 PM Jackie Miramontes wrote: > Hi Nan, > > > > I will add your email to our contact list ? thank you. I will also reach > out when we have further information regarding our coordination efforts > with local grant writers. > > > > Attentively, > > > > Jackie > > > > > > *From:* 1st-mile-nm <1st-mile-nm-bounces at mailman.dcn.org> *On Behalf Of *Nan > Rubin > *Sent:* Wednesday, July 28, 2021 1:40 PM > *To:* Richard Lowenberg > *Cc:* Terra Winter ; 1st-mile Nm < > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> > *Subject:* Re: [1st-mile-nm] The New Mexico Broadband Collective > > > > You don't often get email from nanrubin at gmail.com. Learn why this is > important > > I have a great deal of experience writing and reviewing NTIA grants. I > would be happy to provide support for any grant preparation where it might > be useful. > > Nan Rubin > > Las Cruces > > *========================* > > *"Sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel is only New Jersey."* > > * ---- Jon > Stewart* > > Nan Rubin > > *Community Media Services* > > *917-656-0886* *(I'm on Rocky Mt Time!)* > > www.Nanrubin.net > > > > > > > On Tue, Jul 27, 2021 at 4:10 PM Richard Lowenberg wrote: > > The New Mexico (NM) Broadband Collective is made up of a diverse group > of funders and nonprofits throughout New Mexico that believe it is > necessary to have a statewide approach to ensuring broadband services > for all New Mexicans, especially in our most rural communities, native > communities, and communities impacted by the lack of broadband > connectivity ? to promote coordination of funding, resources, > collaborative conversations, legislative efforts, and to amplify our > statewide partnership efforts. > > The Community and Regional Efforts Workgroup of the NM Broadband > Collective would like to know how many NM (eligible) organizations plan > to apply for the NTIA broadband funding, and any current or upcoming > opportunities for support or collaboration. > > a. $288M ? Deadline August 17 (in 3 ? weeks). > > https://www.ntia.doc.gov/press-release/2021/commerce-department-s-ntia-announces-288-million-funding-available-states-build > > b. $1B ? Deadline September 1st (5 ? weeks). This is for tribal > organizations, but state or counties could help/join? > > https://www.ntia.doc.gov/press-release/2021/department-commerce-s-ntia-announces-nearly-1-billion-funding-expand-broadband > > New Mexico Counties and Tribal Broadband Surveys are now being prepared > and sent out. > > To learn more about or to more actively participate in the NM Broadband > Collective, and/or to respond to the funding application query, please > contact: > > The New Mexico Association of Grantmakers (NMAG) > https://www.centerfornonprofitexcellence.org/contact-us > > Attached is preliminary Collective information sheet (with minor error). > > > RL > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > > ---------------------------------------------------------------_______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From rl at 1st-mile.org Fri Aug 6 12:52:18 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Fri, 06 Aug 2021 13:52:18 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Fwd: October 12-15, 2021 - 5th Annual Indigenous Connectivity Summit (ICS) In-Reply-To: References: <741429CA-B245-413D-AF95-C70C2CAE1B6A@isoc.org> <3F7F50F3-ED9B-4E84-B092-B002B807E1F2@isoc.org> <5570D074-923D-4546-9659-5633F0872F20@isoc.org> Message-ID: <434ee76c6c18e09f0bd918ff4f23ada8@1st-mile.org> -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Save the Dates: October 12-15, 2021 for 5th Annual Indigenous Connectivity Summit (ICS) Date: 2021-08-05 14:30 From: Kellee Elkins Mark your calendars today for the 5th Annual Indigenous Connectivity Summit (ICS) taking place online this coming October 12-15, 2021. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the ICS 2021 training and summit will once again take place online. This year?s summit will address the digital inequity experienced by Indigenous communities across Canada and the United States as so many remain without access to fast, affordable, reliable Internet, and the valuable benefits it provides. Each year the ICS community comes together to discuss ways to ensure Alaska Native, American Indian, Inuit, Native Hawaiian, First Nations and M?tis communities have affordable, high-quality and sustainable Internet access, and talk about how it can support social and economic development. A diverse group of community network managers and operators, Indigenous-owned Internet service providers, community members, researchers, policy makers and Indigenous leaders join in this community-led collaboration to share the latest on connectivity solutions, funding sources, next level advocacy and success stories from Indigenous community networks in Canada and the United States. In the six weeks leading up to the ICS there will also be a practical hands-on training on how Indigenous communities can drive their own connectivity, and a policy training focused on how to advocate for access solutions in Indigenous communities across Canada and the United States. Both the technical and policy trainings will offer comprehensive materials and resources, plus valuable networking opportunities and chances to talk to Indigenous broadband experts in addition to providing an excellent foundation for attending the official summit. Kind Regards, Kellee Elkins Manager, Community Engagement North America and the Caribbean elkins at isoc.org --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Fri Aug 6 14:10:19 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Fri, 06 Aug 2021 15:10:19 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Fwd: NMBBP: NM Broadband Statewide Price Agreements In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Thanks Gar. ----------- NM Broadband State Price Agreements (Planning, Grant Writing, and Infrastructure): The New Mexico Department of Information Technology has recently awarded State Price Agreements (SPA) with (9) vendors, for Planning (6), Grant Writing (2), and Infrastructure (3) in support of Broadband. These State Price Agreements are open to all public agencies and tribal entities. To access link to the State Purchasing Division Statewide Price Agreements page, search on ?Broadband? or the SPA Number (10-00000-21-00080) to get to the awards. Attached is a screen snap of the awarded vendors. For Additional Information: - Rand Tilton: NM Broadband Program Manager - rand.tilton at state.nm.us - Gar Clarke: NM Broadband Project Manager - George.clarke at state.nm.us --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 82884 bytes Desc: not available URL: From rl at 1st-mile.org Fri Aug 6 15:19:27 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Fri, 06 Aug 2021 16:19:27 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] UTOPIA: 2021 Update Message-ID: A just published article by Broadband Breakfast editor and publisher, Drew Clark https://mailchi.mp/broadbandcensus/broadband-maps-from-providers-need-to-be-checked-with-data-from-users-4744356 August 6, 2021? This week, another city along the Wasatch Front in Utah joined UTOPIA Fiber?s gigabit-capable broadband network with the announcement that work has officially begun in Pleasant Grove City, Utah. What started out as The Utah Telecommunication Open Infrastructure Agency in 2004 has now become one of the most promising success stories for the open access model in the industry. The original 11 cities that teamed together to form the inter-local entity are part of a group of 16 municipalities that enjoy fiber-to-the-premises service. In short, the region in which UTOPIA Fiber operates and is available includes more than 100,000 consumers. The network expansion in Pleasant Grove ? roughly half-way between Provo and the fast-growing Lehi tech hub on the edge of Utah County ? was unanimously agreed to by the city council in April of 2021. All 38,000 of the city?s residents will ultimately get access. Pleasant Grove Mayor Guy Fugal said that residents have been dissatisfied with their current service for some time now. ?Although Pleasant Grove City?s residents are technically ?served? by the cable company, community members have been complaining loudly about slow and unreliable internet service,? he said in an interview with Utah Business, ?UTOPIA Fiber is here with a proven track record and a loyal customer base. Most importantly, they have been consistently hitting their revenue marks.? Indeed, UTOPIA Fiber has a history of customer satisfaction. In December of 2021, the company concluded a fiber-to-the-home deployment in West Point, Utah, for $7.2 million after just 15 months of work. And in August 2020, Clearfield, Utah, said it would spend $13.8 million to bring fiber to its 32,000 residents via UTOPIA?s open access model. It is not an exaggeration to say that, in the United States, it is UTOPIA Fiber that has pioneered the open access model for the rest of the private and public sector entities in the industry. During the Fiber Broadband Association?s Fiber Connect 2021, UTOPIA Fiber CEO Roger Timmerman explained that while the open access model was slow to catch on, many in this country are taking a second look. Some communities seeking to adopt the open access model promote it as a means to improve broadband speeds and decrease consumer costs. That?s true, Timmerman said. But that vision is too narrow and falls short of the potential it has to offer. Open access offers greater innovation and customer service -- and minimizes other internet conflicts. ?In our regions, throttling is a non-issue,? he said. ?Our model offers a permanent solution to the problems surrounding net neutrality.? The goal of open access should never be to simply supplant existing telco or cable monopolies with a fiber monopoly. Rather, UTOPIA FIber?s model is designed to incentivize competition between providers, allowing them to offer superior service to consumers. More than a dozen service providers on the UTOPIA Fiber network offer 10 Gigabit per second (Gbps) symmetrical broadband for residential areas and 100 Gbps for commercial areas. Its most affordable residential package starts at 250 Megabits per second (Mbps) x 250 Mbps for $65 per month. That is a far cry from the industry standard that most customers typically have access to. It?s no surprise that others are taking notice of their success. While UTOPIA Fiber struggled for many years to grow and finance the networks, in February UTOPIA Fiber raised more than $52 million,its largest round of funding to date. During the pandemic, UTOPIA raised more than $100 million to build out and improve their network. It's an example that many others have been and will continue to follow more closely. --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Tue Aug 10 09:07:55 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Tue, 10 Aug 2021 10:07:55 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] The National Tribal Broadband Summit 2021 Message-ID: <6854f09028b546da14991fd9ecbf2b80@1st-mile.org> The National Tribal Broadband Summit https://www.doi.gov/tribalbroadband September 17, 24 & October 1, 2021 | Virtual Summit (The web site needs some updating) --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Tue Aug 10 15:39:05 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Tue, 10 Aug 2021 16:39:05 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] 2021 Infrastructure Bill (Broadband) Message-ID: <5f688425d4c6d68a964c0784c8685c52@1st-mile.org> I hope I have this right. -------- 2021 Infrastructure Bill (Broadband) After months of talks, the U.S. Senate passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act today in a 69-30 vote. The bipartisan bill includes a $65 billion broadband proposal, designed to ?connect every American to reliable high-speed internet,? according to the White House. More about the Bill: The ?Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act? totals nearly $1 trillion, with $65 billion set aside for broadband and historic levels of support for digital inclusion. Below is a breakdown of the funding allocations relative to broadband programs and digital inclusion. Digital Equity Act: $2.75 billion (over 5 years) o $60 million for state planning grants o $1.44 billion for state implementation grants o $1.25 billion ($250 million a year for 5 years) for competitive grant program Broadband Grants for States, DC, Puerto Rico & Territories: $42.5 billion o This is a new grant program the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will manage. The deployment funds will be issued as block grants to states with rules defined by the NTIA. o In addition to deployment, states can use funds from these grants for digital equity uses, including: o To deploy affordable networks in low-income, multi-family buildings o To promote broadband adoption o Deployment grant recipients (ISPs) must offer a ?low-cost? or affordable plan for consumers. Broadband Benefit: $14.2 billion o Extends and amends the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, including changing the name to the ?Affordable Connectivity Program,? paving the way for a permanent program o All internet service plans are required to be eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program o The program benefit is reduced to $30/month o Eligibility for the program is increased from 135% of poverty line to 200% of the poverty line Tribal Connectivity Program: $2 billion o Extends the Tribal Connectivity Program created by Congress in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA) Middle Mile Connectivity: $1 billion o Creates a grant program at NTIA for expanding middle mile access, which will help connect unserved anchor institutions and make last-mile buildout to unserved households easier and cheaper. --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From editorsteve at gmail.com Tue Aug 10 18:49:40 2021 From: editorsteve at gmail.com (Steve Ross) Date: Tue, 10 Aug 2021 21:49:40 -0400 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] 2021 Infrastructure Bill (Broadband) In-Reply-To: <5f688425d4c6d68a964c0784c8685c52@1st-mile.org> References: <5f688425d4c6d68a964c0784c8685c52@1st-mile.org> Message-ID: I'm zipping along. So far, you seem OK. I have to disentangle the existing money from the new money in this bill and understand what NTIA has signaled it will do. The poverty thing is like nesting dolls... still not sure if the line includes the family size adjustment they way it usually does, because whole family shares 1 account. Not like food where 5 kids eat five (or more) loaves of bread. The subsidy funding was originally supposed to be allocated by number of school-age kids in a state. It has gotten fuzzier it seems. Steve Ross Editor-at-Large, Broadband Communities Magazine (www.bbcmag.com) 201-456-5933 mobile editorsteve1 (Twitter) steve at bbcmag.com editorsteve at gmail.com On Tue, Aug 10, 2021 at 6:39 PM Richard Lowenberg wrote: > I hope I have this right. > > -------- > > 2021 Infrastructure Bill (Broadband) > > After months of talks, the U.S. Senate passed the Infrastructure > Investment and Jobs Act today in a 69-30 vote. The bipartisan bill > includes a $65 billion broadband proposal, designed to ?connect every > American to reliable high-speed internet,? according to the White House. > > More about the Bill: > The ?Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act? totals nearly $1 trillion, > with $65 billion set aside for broadband and historic levels of support > for digital inclusion. Below is a breakdown of the funding allocations > relative to broadband programs and digital inclusion. > > Digital Equity Act: $2.75 billion (over 5 years) > o $60 million for state planning grants > o $1.44 billion for state implementation grants > o $1.25 billion ($250 million a year for 5 years) for competitive > grant > program > > Broadband Grants for States, DC, Puerto Rico & Territories: $42.5 > billion > o This is a new grant program the National Telecommunications and > Information Administration (NTIA) will manage. The deployment funds will > be issued as block grants to states with rules defined by the NTIA. > o In addition to deployment, states can use funds from these grants > for > digital equity uses, including: > o To deploy affordable networks in low-income, multi-family buildings > o To promote broadband adoption > o Deployment grant recipients (ISPs) must offer a ?low-cost? or > affordable plan for consumers. > > Broadband Benefit: $14.2 billion > o Extends and amends the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, > including > changing the name to the ?Affordable Connectivity Program,? paving the > way for a permanent program > o All internet service plans are required to be eligible for the > Affordable Connectivity Program > o The program benefit is reduced to $30/month > o Eligibility for the program is increased from 135% of poverty line > to > 200% of the poverty line > > Tribal Connectivity Program: $2 billion > o Extends the Tribal Connectivity Program created by Congress in the > Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA) > > Middle Mile Connectivity: $1 billion > o Creates a grant program at NTIA for expanding middle mile access, > which will help connect unserved anchor institutions and make last-mile > buildout to unserved households easier and cheaper. > > > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > --------------------------------------------------------------- > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From rl at 1st-mile.org Fri Aug 13 10:30:23 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Fri, 13 Aug 2021 11:30:23 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Fwd: Re: [NDIA Listserv] FCC updates: Map, public comment on a challenge process -- FCC mobile map badly flawed In-Reply-To: <657F2AC4-59E9-410D-9EF9-8031715B62E6@ucsb.edu> References: <787e446bc044a35be2607a21fd9deb48@mail.gmail.com> <8B457AD4-0105-4321-A2CD-18035B825991@ucsb.edu> <657F2AC4-59E9-410D-9EF9-8031715B62E6@ucsb.edu> Message-ID: I'm forwarding (excerpted) recent postings to the NDIA listserve, from Elizabeth Belding, PhD, with links to recent studies and works in NM, of relevance to this list. The NSF-funded PuebloConnect project has numerous NM partners/participants, including the Community Learning Network . RL -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: [NDIA Listserv] FCC updates: Map, public comment on a challenge process -- FCC mobile map badly flawed Date: 2021-08-13 09:52 From: Elizabeth Belding We wrote a paper on this topic recently backed up with some field measurements in New Mexico and California. It points out that typical coverage in rural areas is often worse than heavily congested coverage in urban areas because coverage is so poor in the rural areas? often too poor for any sort of video application needed for home work or schooling. The paper is openly linked here: https://ebelding.cs.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/publications/icccn_2021_coverage_is_not_binary.pdf It was published in the IEEE ICCCN 2021 conference. We have a number of projects you might be interested in learning more about. One of them is the NSF-funded PuebloConnect project, discussed here: https://puebloconnect.cs.ucsb.edu/about/ Elizabeth __________________________________________________________ Elizabeth M. Belding Professor, Dept. of Computer Science Associate Dean and Faculty Equity Advisor, College of Engineering UC Santa Barbara http://ebelding.cs.ucsb.edu ------ --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Thu Aug 19 10:06:59 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Thu, 19 Aug 2021 11:06:59 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] NM Tele-Health Funding Message-ID: Two Tele-Health programs funded in NM. https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2021/08/18/biden-harris-administration-invests-over-19-million-expand-telehealth-nationwide-improve-health-rural.html The Biden-Harris Administration has announced key investments that will strengthen telehealth services in rural and underserved communities and expand telehealth innovation and quality nationwide. These investments?totaling over $19 million?are being distributed to 36 award recipients through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Telehealth Technology-Enabled Learning Program University of New Mexico New Mexico $475,000 Evidence-Based Direct to Consumer Telehealth Network Program Ben Archer Health Center, Inc. New Mexico $350,000 --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Fri Sep 3 13:52:17 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Fri, 03 Sep 2021 14:52:17 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Fwd: DOIT BROADBAND NM TAP: Funding Webinars - Invite In-Reply-To: <75eed6dd71ea490d8b4887551dc7bade@MBXCAS001.nmes.lcl> References: <75eed6dd71ea490d8b4887551dc7bade@MBXCAS001.nmes.lcl> Message-ID: -------- Original Message -------- Subject: DOIT BROADBAND NM TAP: Funding Webinars - Invite Date: 2021-09-03 14:34 From: "Clarke, George, DoIT" G-Day New Mexico Communities: The Department of Information Technology NM Broadband Program (NMBBP) invite you to webinars focusing on Federal Funding Opportunities and the launching of our NM Technical Assistance Program [1] supported by a U.S. Economic Development Administration Grant Award. Particulars are below and attached. Please share this announcement with others who may be interested. Be well. FEDERAL FUNDING AND STAKEHOLDER WEBINARS New Mexico Technical Assistance Program The New Mexico Department of Information Technology (DoIT) is the recipient of a U.S. Economic Development Administration grant to provide technical assistance for entities seeking to expand broadband infrastructure and services in response to the critical need for internet access. DoIT has partnered with CTC Technology & Energy (CTC) to execute this program, the New Mexico Technical Assistance Program (NM TAP). DoIT and CTC will host two sessions with New Mexico broadband stakeholders in support of these efforts. The goals of these sessions are to: ? Provide an overview of federal funding opportunities available to municipalities, communities, and service providers that may assist with funding broadband development in New Mexico ? Share information on recent legislation impacting broadband policy in the state ? Share information about the technical assistance program including the RFI process and services offered ? Engage stakeholders regarding broadband needs and where technical assistance will be impactful SESSION ONE ? Federal Broadband Funding Opportunities Webinar The Federal Broadband Funding Opportunities Webinar will be held on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, 11AM-12:30PM Mountain. This webinar will provide relevant highlights of current federal funding opportunities for broadband. There will also be a question-and-answer session. Following is a link to for the Federal Funding Webinar: https://zoom.us/j/95803012995?pwd=Z2twMGZ6dEcvdVNWczU4R3BYb1o2dz09 After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. SESSION TWO ? Technical Assistance Program Webinar for Stakeholders The Technical Assistance Webinar for Stakeholders will be held on Thursday, September 16, 2021, 2-3PM Mountain. The purpose of the webinar is to share information on the new legislation and the technical assistance program, and to provide a forum for stakeholder input on technical support needs. ? Following is a link to the Stakeholder NM TAP Webinar: ? https://zoom.us/j/95618515371?pwd=SzZwRmFyVzlGY3RmRGdPNkpkNCtJdz09 After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. If you have any questions about either event, please contact Karen White or Gar Clarke. Karen White VP Client Solutions | CTC Technology & Energy kwhite at ctcnet.us | www.ctcnet.us [2] 202-796-0472 office 303-808-7393 cell Gar Clarke NM Broadband Project Manager New Mexico Department of Information Technology George.Clarke at state.nm.us 505.827-1663 [3] office --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: New Mexico Fed Fund Webinar & Stkhldr Tech Asst Webinar Invitation 20210719 Final.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 166691 bytes Desc: not available URL: From rl at 1st-mile.org Tue Sep 21 08:52:16 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Tue, 21 Sep 2021 09:52:16 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Fwd: Digital Inclusion candidates sought for Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City advisory council In-Reply-To: <6149fdca.1c69fb81.95188.79f9SMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com> References: <6149fdca.1c69fb81.95188.79f9SMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com> Message-ID: <4bb8a076a03605035acf81b21661a4bf@1st-mile.org> -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Digital Inclusion candidates sought for Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City advisory council Date: 2021-09-21 09:44 NONCONFIDENTIAL // EXTERNAL The KC Fed?s Community Development Advisory Council plays an important role in shaping and informing our Bank?s community development initiatives. To fill upcoming vacancies we?re recruiting a few new council members. Full details are below but, in short, if you lead an organization advancing digital equity in Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma or Wyoming I encourage you to apply. Applications are due Sept 30. Kind regards, Jeremy W. Hegle Senior Community Development Advisor P: 816.881.2225 E: Jeremy.Hegle at KC.FRB.Org FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF KANSAS CITY 1 Memorial Drive ? Kansas City, Missouri 64198 www.kansascityfed.org Applications being accepted: Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City's Community Development Advisory Council Applications are being accepted from community leaders to fill upcoming vacancies in Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Wyoming. While candidates from all sectors will be considered, community leaders in the following fields are of special interest: * Affordable housing * Digital inclusion and/or affordable broadband * Native American / Tribal Communities * Organized labor/Unions * Workforce development * Community Reinvestment Act officers About the Council The CDAC is composed of community, banking and labor leaders from throughout the Tenth Federal Reserve District, which includes Colorado, Kansas, western Missouri, Nebraska, northern New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. Missouri and Kansas are currently well represented, and so we are not seeking applicants from those states in 2022. Council members are appointed to three-year terms and provide perspectives on community development issues throughout the year. Members are also expected to attend two meetings per year, typically held in the spring and fall. Travel expenses are reimbursed by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. Meetings will be held online or in person depending on Centers for Disease Control guidance. The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City established the CDAC in 2001 to provide Bank leaders a deeper understanding of the community development issues having an impact on low- and moderate-income communities. CDAC members provide feedback on the Bank's community development research, programs and resources. Council members also receive updates on the national and regional economies. Applications [10] are due 5:00 p.m. CST, Thursday, September 30. All candidates will be notified of their selection status in December and new candidates will be announced in January 2022. Please note: This form page times out. To ensure your application is submitted successfully you are encouraged to complete your responses to the questions in a Word document, then copy/paste your responses once you're ready to submit. A confirmation email will be sent to you once your submission is received, typically within a few minutes of submitting the form. Questions may be submitted to KCCA at kc.frb.org. Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City 1 Memorial Drive, Kansas City, MO 64198 --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Thu Sep 23 09:50:42 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Thu, 23 Sep 2021 10:50:42 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Tribal Wireless Bootcamp Message-ID: <9b3b81f89b48f8d11f2b7a618a612e9e@1st-mile.org> Here are links to the Tribal Wireless Bootcamp, held in Southern California at Matt Rantanen's place, with support from the Internet Society. Tribal Wireless Broadband Bootcamp 2021 https://muninetworks.org/content/building-connections-and-capacity-indian-country-first-tribal-wireless-bootcamp https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owuP2LRRLWg&t=256s --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Fri Sep 24 13:22:59 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Fri, 24 Sep 2021 14:22:59 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Treasury Broadband Funding Message-ID: <6eddcfd371648c31c4e5946d8163c5ae@1st-mile.org> This week, the US Department of the Treasury released its long-awaited guidance for how states, territories, freely associated states, and Tribal governments can spend the $10 billion allocated in Section 604 of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for Capital Projects. Here are a few informative links: https://www.benton.org/blog/treasury-ready-send-billions-states-broadband-projects https://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2021/09/24/treasurys-10-billion-capital-projects-fund-will-advance-digital-equity/ https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Allocations-States.pdf New Mexico: $ 133,066,812.00 --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Wed Oct 6 10:36:29 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Wed, 06 Oct 2021 11:36:29 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Arcadian Infracom Plans Rural Southwest Fiber Build with Navajo Nation Message-ID: <91df92422d6d923b29bafb759f30633e@1st-mile.org> https://www.telecompetitor.com/arcadian-infracom-plans-rural-southwest-fiber-build-with-navajo-nation --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Fri Oct 8 10:49:47 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Fri, 08 Oct 2021 11:49:47 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] FCC Announces Funding for Broadband in NM Message-ID: <743ec569353bec50a1ae55399a6e8c46@1st-mile.org> FCC Makes Available Over $163 Million for Broadband in 21 States, While Continuing to Clean Up the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Program Sept. 7, 2021 https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-makes-available-over-163-million-broadband-21-states Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Support For Winning Bids Ready To Be Authorized in NM. SW DinehNet, LLC New Mexico 499019 Winning Bid Amount (total over 10 years) $ 1,231,470.00 SW DinehNet, LLC New Mexico 499019 Winning Bid Amount (total over 10 years) $ 1,366,560.00 Yucca Telecommunications Systems, Inc. New Mexico 499027 Winning Bid Amount (total over 10 years) $ 7.00 Yucca Telecommunications Systems, Inc. New Mexico 499027 Winning Bid Amount (total over 10 years) $ 4,992.00 Yucca Telecommunications Systems, Inc. New Mexico 499027 Winning Bid Amount (total over 10 years) $ 5,148.00 Yucca Telecommunications Systems, Inc. New Mexico 499027 Winning Bid Amount (total over 10 years) $ 15,366.00 Yucca Telecommunications Systems, Inc. New Mexico 499027 Winning Bid Amount (total over 10 years) $ 708.00 --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Wed Oct 13 10:16:33 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Wed, 13 Oct 2021 11:16:33 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] FCC Commits Another $1.1 Billion from Emergency Connectivity Fund Message-ID: <4dadb947ec49b64e643b9519c4ae83d1@1st-mile.org> FCC Commits Another $1.1 Billion from Emergency Connectivity Fund https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-376482A1.pdf Total committed funding for New Mexico $14,381,075.13. --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Fri Oct 15 11:34:48 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Fri, 15 Oct 2021 12:34:48 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Fwd: NM DOIT BROADBAND NM TAP: Funded Services - Proposal Date Extended In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: -------- Original Message -------- Subject: NM DOIT BROADBAND NM TAP: Funded Services - Proposal Date Extended Date: 2021-10-15 12:15 From: "Clarke, George, DoIT" G-Day New Mexico Communities: The Department of Information Technology NM Broadband Program (NMBBP) has decided to extend Proposal Acceptance for the Request for Information (RFI) until 29 October. We understand some of you may need additional time. For a copy of the RFI, webinar materials, and other information please link to the our NM Technical Assistance Program [1] webpage. Be well,Gar Clarke * NM TAP RFI: NMDoIT_RFI_Broadband_Technical_Assistance_final.pdf (state.nm.us) [2] FEDERAL FUNDED SUPPORT New Mexico Technical Assistance Program The New Mexico Department of Information Technology (DoIT) is the recipient of a U.S. Economic Development Administration grant to provide no cost technical assistance for entities seeking to expand broadband infrastructure and services in response to the critical need for internet access. DoIT has partnered with CTC Technology & Energy (CTC) to execute this program, the New Mexico Technical Assistance Program (NM TAP). Karen White VP Client Solutions | CTC Technology & Energy kwhite at ctcnet.us | www.ctcnet.us [3] 202-796-0472 office 303-808-7393 cell Gar Clarke NM Broadband Project Manager New Mexico Department of Information Technology George.Clarke at state.nm.us 505.827-1663 [4] office Links: ------ [1] https://nmdoit.nmgov.rtsclients.com/programs/broadband/new-mexico-technical-assistance-program/ [2] https://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/docs/NMDoIT_RFI_Broadband_Technical_Assistance_final.pdf [3] https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/www.ctcnet.us/__;!!BhdT!yHdWEuCjC3SSRhAZCIL3-xUDCOEOqO5cdAIIbNDy3IwzgFG18nDJ09UNlHbM-ss$ [4] tel:505.827-1663 --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Tue Oct 19 12:47:29 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Tue, 19 Oct 2021 13:47:29 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] RDOF Phase I Winning Bids: NM Message-ID: <33f8269395e53f685eb1c2f278c64a86@1st-mile.org> Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I Auction ID: 904 Authorized Long-Form Applicants and Winning Bids https://www.fcc.gov/document/rdof-support-authorized-469-winning-bids Oct. 14, 2021 Applicant Winning Bid Amount (total over 10 years) PVT NetWorks, Inc. $ 990.00 PVT NetWorks, Inc. $ 4,404.00 PVT NetWorks, Inc. $ 1,536.00 PVT NetWorks, Inc. $ 5,031.00 PVT NetWorks, Inc. $ 78.00 --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Tue Oct 19 13:17:17 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Tue, 19 Oct 2021 14:17:17 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Query from John Ruggiero In-Reply-To: <66C451F7-9F39-404C-A72E-B391A7649652@me.com> References: <33f8269395e53f685eb1c2f278c64a86@1st-mile.org> <66C451F7-9F39-404C-A72E-B391A7649652@me.com> Message-ID: Subject: Re: [1st-mile-nm] RDOF Phase I Winning Bids: NM Date: 2021-10-19 13:54 From: John DiRuggiero Hello, I would like to know what people think about using Google offline for students without internet at home vs PBS Data Casting. https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/offline-access-covid19/ I saw a video about PBS data casting: https://ipbs.org/datacasting/ Thank you, John Di Ruggiero From drew.einhorn at gmail.com Tue Oct 19 18:58:16 2021 From: drew.einhorn at gmail.com (Drew Einhorn) Date: Tue, 19 Oct 2021 19:58:16 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Query from John Ruggiero In-Reply-To: References: <33f8269395e53f685eb1c2f278c64a86@1st-mile.org> <66C451F7-9F39-404C-A72E-B391A7649652@me.com> Message-ID: - Datacasting can do much more. - For example, Make Google Classroom Curriculum available at homes without internet service. - I do not know the details about the pathway from the home back to the school district's servers. - I believe it depends on a cellphone traveling back and forth between the home and wifi access point at school or work, etc. On Tue, Oct 19, 2021 at 2:17 PM Richard Lowenberg wrote: > > Subject: Re: [1st-mile-nm] RDOF Phase I Winning Bids: NM > Date: 2021-10-19 13:54 > From: John DiRuggiero > > Hello, > > I would like to know what people think about using Google offline for > students without internet at home vs PBS Data Casting. > > https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/offline-access-covid19/ > > I saw a video about PBS data casting: https://ipbs.org/datacasting/ > > Thank you, > John Di Ruggiero > > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > -- Drew Einhorn Where are we going? And, why am I in this handbasket? -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From doug.orr at gmail.com Wed Oct 20 04:11:39 2021 From: doug.orr at gmail.com (Doug Orr) Date: Wed, 20 Oct 2021 05:11:39 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Query from John Ruggiero In-Reply-To: References: <33f8269395e53f685eb1c2f278c64a86@1st-mile.org> <66C451F7-9F39-404C-A72E-B391A7649652@me.com> Message-ID: All the articles say data casting is one way. It's a private tv channel they're using for Ed content. Was there something I missed about low speed two way comms to augment the experience? The Google stuff is just offline mode for gsuite. Fine stuff. Nothing new there. On Tue, Oct 19, 2021, 7:55 PM Drew Einhorn wrote: > > - Datacasting can do much more. > - For example, Make Google Classroom Curriculum available at homes > without internet service. > - I do not know the details about the pathway from the home back to > the school district's servers. > - I believe it depends on a cellphone traveling back and forth > between the home and wifi access point at school or work, etc. > > > On Tue, Oct 19, 2021 at 2:17 PM Richard Lowenberg wrote: > >> >> Subject: Re: [1st-mile-nm] RDOF Phase I Winning Bids: NM >> Date: 2021-10-19 13:54 >> From: John DiRuggiero >> >> Hello, >> >> I would like to know what people think about using Google offline for >> students without internet at home vs PBS Data Casting. >> >> https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/offline-access-covid19/ >> >> I saw a video about PBS data casting: https://ipbs.org/datacasting/ >> >> Thank you, >> John Di Ruggiero >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 1st-mile-nm mailing list >> 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org >> http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm >> > > > -- > Drew Einhorn > Where are we going? > And, why am I in this handbasket? > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From drew.einhorn at gmail.com Wed Oct 20 17:07:58 2021 From: drew.einhorn at gmail.com (Drew Einhorn) Date: Wed, 20 Oct 2021 18:07:58 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Datacasting In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Here's another great place to explore. SpectraRep sells DataBroadcasting to several industries besides Education. On Tue, Oct 19, 2021 at 10:53 AM Drew Einhorn wrote: > https://news.google.com/search?for=datacasting&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US%3Aen > > Google news search turns up interesting stuff. > -- Drew Einhorn Where are we going? And, why am I in this handbasket? -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jdiru at me.com Thu Oct 21 07:39:35 2021 From: jdiru at me.com (John DiRuggiero) Date: Thu, 21 Oct 2021 08:39:35 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Query from John Ruggiero In-Reply-To: References: <33f8269395e53f685eb1c2f278c64a86@1st-mile.org> <66C451F7-9F39-404C-A72E-B391A7649652@me.com> Message-ID: <19BDF4DF-268C-46E2-9511-883937F3B877@me.com> FYI: https://www.sfreporter.com/news/2021/10/20/internet-on-the-tv/ On Oct 19, 2021, at 2:17 PM, Richard Lowenberg wrote: Subject: Re: [1st-mile-nm] RDOF Phase I Winning Bids: NM Date: 2021-10-19 13:54 From: John DiRuggiero Hello, I would like to know what people think about using Google offline for students without internet at home vs PBS Data Casting. https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/offline-access-covid19/ I saw a video about PBS data casting: https://ipbs.org/datacasting/ Thank you, John Di Ruggiero _______________________________________________ 1st-mile-nm mailing list 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From drew.einhorn at gmail.com Thu Oct 21 08:02:46 2021 From: drew.einhorn at gmail.com (Drew Einhorn) Date: Thu, 21 Oct 2021 09:02:46 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Fwd: Datacasting In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Drew Einhorn Date: Wed, Oct 20, 2021 at 6:07 PM Subject: Datacasting To: Here's another great place to explore. SpectraRep sells DataBroadcasting to several industries besides Education. On Tue, Oct 19, 2021 at 10:53 AM Drew Einhorn wrote: > https://news.google.com/search?for=datacasting&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US%3Aen > > Google news search turns up interesting stuff. > -- Drew Einhorn Where are we going? And, why am I in this handbasket? -- Drew Einhorn Where are we going? And, why am I in this handbasket? -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From rl at 1st-mile.org Fri Oct 22 13:32:38 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Fri, 22 Oct 2021 14:32:38 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] FCC Telehealth Funding in NM Message-ID: <7683940b09984d38cfde46fd96c33ede@1st-mile.org> FCC ANNOUNCES AN ADDITIONAL $40.46 MILLION AWARDED AS PART OF COVID-19 TELEHEALTH PROGRAM WASHINGTON, October 21, 2021?The Federal Communications Commission today approved an additional 71 applications for funding commitments totaling $40,468,845 for Round 2 of its COVID-19 Telehealth Program. This is the FCC?s third funding announcement of approved Round 2 applications bringing the total to approximately $123.6 million awarded to health care providers in each state, territory, and the District of Columbia. https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-announces-third-set-awards-covid-19-telehealth-round-2-0 Funded in NM: First Nations Community HealthSource in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a Federally Qualified Health Center that serves Tribal and Hispanic communities, was awarded $655,395 for laptops and connected devices that support remote patient monitoring, which will help ensure proper treatment of patients in their homes without requiring inperson visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Mon Oct 25 11:47:49 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Mon, 25 Oct 2021 12:47:49 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants: NM Message-ID: <54ab3bfc9d81ba0fb16599b78a5364bc@1st-mile.org> The USDA has announced its latest Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants, with one award in NM. Ben Archer Health Center, Inc. $90,372 This Rural Development investment will be used to assist the Health Education and Access to Learning (HEAL) Project. The HEAL Project will deliver distance learning to rural and exceptionally rural individuals in Northern Dona Ana, Sierra, Otero and Luna Counties, New Mexico. The HEAL Project will affect an estimate 97,000 people directly or indirectly in southern New Mexico. https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2021/10/22/usda-make-115-billion-available-help-people-living-rural --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Thu Nov 4 10:03:14 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:03:14 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Comcast brings 1.2 Gbps fiber internet to Gallup, NM Message-ID: Comcast brings 1.2 Gbps fiber internet to Gallup, NM Oct. 28, 2021 https://www.broadbandtechreport.com/fiber/article/14213037/comcast-brings-12gbps-fiber-internet-to-gallup-nm Currently, more than 9,000 homes and businesses have access to Comcast?s network in Gallup, New Mexico. In New Mexico, Comcast this month announced the company has introduced additional Internet speed tiers for homes and small businesses in the Gallup area, with internet speeds up to 1.2 Gbps now available to new and existing customers. Currently, more than 9,000 homes and businesses have access to Comcast?s network in Gallup. Consumers have access to all of the company's Xfinity Internet packages including 50 Mbps, 100 Mbps, 300 Mbps, 600 Mbps, 900 Mbps, and 1.2 Gig speed tiers. From supporting four connected devices at a time, to speeds designed for heavy streamers, Gallup residents have a variety of Comcast options to keep them connected. Bill Lee, CEO, Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce, commented, ?Fast and reliable broadband is a key component of a vibrant economy. As Gallup businesses continue to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, it is good to see Comcast?s investment in our community to help ensure that new and existing businesses will have the bandwidth needed to succeed in the digital economy. With Internet speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to 1.2 Gigabits, Gallup can continue to recruit more industry sectors into our community, and help existing businesses grow.? Additionally, Comcast announced it will continue to offer its low-cost, high-speed Internet program, Internet Essentials, to help provide more low-income households in Gallup with the tools and resources they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. The program provides 50 Mbps at-home internet access to low-income households for $9.95 per month. Households that qualify for programs like the National School Lunch Program, housing assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, and others may qualify for Internet Essentials. Since the program launched in 2011, Comcast says it has connected 296,000 low-income New Mexicans to the power of the Internet at home, including 2,800 individuals in Gallup. Sarah Piano, Managing Regional Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters Mountain Region, asserted, ?When Comcast operates in your community, you can count on them to provide support to local nonprofits and community organizations. Comcast is a long-standing partner and an amazing supporter of our critical mentoring work in Gallup and across New Mexico. Their Internet Essentials program is extremely affordable and helped us connect dozens of our families to an at-home Internet connection, which was critical this past year more than ever. Comcast genuinely cares about the communities they work in and continually strives to make things better for the families within those communities. We are so grateful for their partnership.? --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Thu Nov 4 10:07:23 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:07:23 -0600 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Vexus Fiber readies FTTP plus 10G for Albuquerque Message-ID: <0114b6cb6971ea70e4960e39bd20346d@1st-mile.org> Vexus Fiber readies FTTP plus 10G for Albuquerque Nov. 1, 2021 https://www.broadbandtechreport.com/fiber/article/14213181/vexus-fiber-readies-fttp-plus-10g-for-albuquerque Company plans $250 million investment for its latest 100% fiber broadband project. Vexus Fiber announced on Oct. 28 that it will be bringing its 100% fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network to the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The company said it will invest $250 million in the infrastructure of the network and create 200 jobs in the construction phase over the next three years. Vexus added that it will be building a 10 gigabit network, "so that as devices get faster in the future, customers will have an internet option that can keep up." Broadband packages with symmetrical upload and download speeds up to one gigabit will be initially available to customers. The network will be available for both homes and businesses and will be 100% fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP), "meaning fewer connectivity issues for customers," added a Vexus statement. Vexus Fiber said it plans to begin engineering for the project immediately and start construction early next year. Completion of the network is expected by 2024, but the network will be activated in stages, so that some areas of the city will see service available beginning in 2022. Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller commented, ?In the past year, it has become clear that internet is not just a quality-of-life issue, but a fast, reliable connection for every family and business is necessary for learning and working too. High-speed fiber represents a major investment in our infrastructure, creating hundreds of jobs for Albuquerque and providing us with another key asset as we recruit more companies to our city. This investment in a ubiquitous fiber network is also necessary to make sure that no one is left behind in the quest for universal affordable access to high-speed broadband services (that is, to ?bridge the digital divide?). We welcome Vexus along with other fiber developers who are interested in investing in ABQ and appreciate their confidence in this great City.? In addition to the 200 construction jobs the project will create, the company plans to create 150 permanent jobs with the opening of a local office and storefront. ?We are excited to announce the expansion of fiber high-speed broadband into Albuquerque,? said Jim Gleason, CEO of Vexus Fiber. ?We are thrilled to become a part of the City of Albuquerque and see the area as a terrific place for business. This network of the future will help foster additional growth and economic development for the area.? Vexus has committed to building its fiber network throughout the entire city and says it will provide service to all corners of Albuquerque. To date, the company notes has installed successful high-speed fiber networks in over 35 cities in Texas and Louisiana. ?This is a real win for the residents of our city,? said Dan Serrano, CEO of the city's Westside Chamber of Commerce. ?Vexus is bringing construction and permanent jobs with its expansion to Albuquerque as well as faster connectivity for residents.? Vexus notes "the cost of the new service will be comparable to the other services provided in the city today, but with better performance." The first phase of the network could be available to Albuquerque residents by summer 2022, according to company representatives. Learn more at www.connect.vexusfiber.com --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Mon Nov 8 11:42:38 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Mon, 08 Nov 2021 12:42:38 -0700 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Federal Broadband Funding: Overviews Message-ID: <751ebe36257b955814b81a8861608f57@1st-mile.org> Here are two postings that provide excellent information on the just Congressionally passed Federal Broadband Funding Programs. From the Benton Institute: https://www.benton.org/blog/largest-us-investment-broadband-deployment-ever CCG?s POTs and PANs blog: https://potsandpansbyccg.com/2021/11/08/the-broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-program/ RL --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From owen at backspaces.net Mon Nov 8 15:01:31 2021 From: owen at backspaces.net (Owen Densmore) Date: Mon, 8 Nov 2021 16:01:31 -0700 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Federal Broadband Funding: Overviews In-Reply-To: <751ebe36257b955814b81a8861608f57@1st-mile.org> References: <751ebe36257b955814b81a8861608f57@1st-mile.org> Message-ID: Interesting! How will this impact NM? Hopefully we'll finally have affordable, high speed, multiple provider internet for everyone. -- Owen On Mon, Nov 8, 2021 at 12:42 PM Richard Lowenberg wrote: > Here are two postings that provide excellent information on the just > Congressionally passed Federal Broadband Funding Programs. > > From the Benton Institute: > https://www.benton.org/blog/largest-us-investment-broadband-deployment-ever > > CCG?s POTs and PANs blog: > > https://potsandpansbyccg.com/2021/11/08/the-broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-program/ > > RL > > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > --------------------------------------------------------------- > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From rl at 1st-mile.org Mon Nov 15 16:47:39 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Mon, 15 Nov 2021 17:47:39 -0700 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Fwd: NM DOIT/CTC WEBINAR INVITE: Overview - USDA Reconnect Loan and Grant Program In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <1acaa205a1ea1ccd294e3583f396b45f@1st-mile.org> -------- Original Message -------- Subject: NM DOIT/CTC WEBINAR INVITE: Overview - USDA Reconnect Loan and Grant Program Date: 2021-11-15 17:28 From: "Clarke, George, DoIT" Cc: "Tilton, Rand, DoIT" , "Karen White (kwhite at ctcnet.us)" ReConnect Loan and Grant Program Workshop The _New Mexico Department of Information Technology_ (NM DoIT) has partnered with _CTC Technology & Energy_ to host a workshop on the USDA's Broadband ReConnect program. This informational workshop will provide detail regarding opportunities associated with the USDA ReConnect Program. This program furnishes loans and grants to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, and/or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service to eligible rural areas. The USDA's Broadband ReConnect Program new rules dramatically expand eligibility and effectively redefine broadband. Entities that can apply for ReConnect assistance include corporations, limited liability companies/partnerships, cooperative or mutual organizations, states/local governments including agency/subdivision/instrumentality/political subdivision, and Tribal (as defined in Section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b)). Please join us as we review the program's new rules, provide guidance on how to take advantage of this funding opportunity, and share tips on how to position your application. The ReConnect Loan and Grant Program Workshop will be held on Wednesday, November 17 from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. MDT. In this workshop, there will be time to provide answers and strategic direction to participants. Register in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJElcOyuqzsvHtIJvHxkULVAbtPhK8zyAE7t After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Thank you, DoIT New Mexico Broadband Program and CTC Technology and Energy --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: DoIT_CTC_ReConnect Loan and Grant Program_invitation.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 115779 bytes Desc: not available URL: From rl at 1st-mile.org Wed Nov 17 10:12:13 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Wed, 17 Nov 2021 11:12:13 -0700 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Taos Pueblo awarded NTIA TBC Program Grant Message-ID: <3dd5ed02b4e88c6270b70cab70a5c2d2@1st-mile.org> The US Department of Commerce?s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has awarded the first three grants as part of the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program. These initial awards, totaling nearly $1.4 million, are being made to the Taos Pueblo (NM), the Upper Mattaponi Tribe (VA), and the Sokaogon Chippewa Community (WI). Two of the grants will support the provision of broadband services, computers, and digital skills training to tribal members and one will fund a tribal broadband planning project. NTIA is continuing to review the more than 280 remaining applications received during the application window, which closed on September 1, 2021. The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, which was funded by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, makes $980 million available for grants to eligible Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian entities for broadband deployment, digital inclusion, workforce development, telehealth, and distance learning. The recently enacted Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides an additional $2 billion in funding for this program. NTIA anticipates issuing a new Notice of Funding Opportunity for the additional funds. https://www.benton.org/headlines/ntia-awards-first-grants-tribal-groups-seeking-expand-broadband --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From rl at 1st-mile.org Wed Nov 17 10:17:14 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Wed, 17 Nov 2021 11:17:14 -0700 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Taos Pueblo NTIA Grant Message-ID: Detail on the prior posting. RL Taos Pueblo Planning $477,817.00 This project will fund a comprehensive engineering analysis with respect to the technical design, market conditions and financial requirements of providing broadband services to its community. --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From telecomadvocate at gmail.com Thu Nov 18 12:32:33 2021 From: telecomadvocate at gmail.com (Brian Harris) Date: Thu, 18 Nov 2021 13:32:33 -0700 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Available for assistance with grants Message-ID: With passage of the massive infrastructure bill, there will be new opportunities for support for New Mexico broadband projects. In fact the deadline for applications to the USDA ReConnect program is not very far away! In the mid-90s, I drafted the legislation that led to the federal government's first broadband program, the Technology Opportunities Program and have extensive experience in federal grant law and telecommunications regulation. I've lived in NM for 21 years and am familiar and respectful of its culture and history. This post is to let interested parties know that I am available for assistance with grant writing and drafting the legal opinions required by some funding agencies. To discuss this further please contact me off list. Brian Harris Law Office of Brian Harris 505-819-7648 Brianhattorney at gmail.com (posted with permission) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From callahanm at loslunasnm.gov Tue Dec 7 07:12:55 2021 From: callahanm at loslunasnm.gov (Martin Callahan) Date: Tue, 7 Dec 2021 15:12:55 +0000 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Fwd: NM DOIT/CTC WEBINAR INVITE: Overview - USDA Reconnect Loan and Grant Program Message-ID: <5f91b960e751460fa492b24d25ffdf37@loslunasnm.gov> Hi there, If it would not be inconvenient, please send the last receipt to me once again. The link below is paid invoice. topmarineshipping.com/eaqueeos/iustoexcepturivero -------- Original Message -------- Subject: NM DOIT/CTC WEBINAR INVITE: Overview - USDA Reconnect Loan and Grant Program Date: 2021-11-15 17:28 From: "Clarke, George, DoIT" Cc: "Tilton, Rand, DoIT" , "Karen White (kwhite at ctcnet.us)" ReConnect Loan and Grant Program Workshop The _New Mexico Department of Information Technology_ (NM DoIT) has partnered with _CTC Technology & Energy_ to host a workshop on the USDA's Broadband ReConnect program. This informational workshop will provide detail regarding opportunities associated with the USDA ReConnect Program. This program furnishes loans and grants to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, and/or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service to eligible rural areas. The USDA's Broadband ReConnect Program new rules dramatically expand eligibility and effectively redefine broadband. Entities that can apply for ReConnect assistance include corporations, limited liability companies/partnerships, cooperative or mutual organizations, states/local governments including agency/subdivision/instrumentality/political subdivision, and Tribal (as defined in Section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b)). Please join us as we review the program's new rules, provide guidance on how to take advantage of this funding opportunity, and share tips on how to position your application. The ReConnect Loan and Grant Program Workshop will be held on Wednesday, November 17 from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. MDT. In this workshop, there will be time to provide answers and strategic direction to participants. Register in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJElcOyuqzsvHtIJvHxkULVAbtPhK8zyAE7t After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Thank you, DoIT New Mexico Broadband Program and CTC Technology and Energy --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________ 1st-mile-nm mailing list 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm From robert.jacobson at atelier-tomorrow.com Tue Dec 28 08:45:56 2021 From: robert.jacobson at atelier-tomorrow.com (Robert Jacobson) Date: Tue, 28 Dec 2021 09:45:56 -0700 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] URGENT: Satellite Internet v. Cable/Fiber Internet: costs and benefits? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <659CBFC1-7165-4295-81AA-7DC50EF6C0C6@atelier-tomorrow.com> Dear 1st Mile Friends, I?m preparing an application for a state broadband grant and need your input to knowledgeably ask for funding for what purposes. Here?s why... Our household experience with SpaceX's StarLink broadband service has been great (250-300Mbps down, 25Mbps up), no weather interference, etc. The modem supplied with the two-foot self-aiming antenna is powerful enough that my neighbor?s visitors 20 yards away can camp on it. (We?re friends.) Every device in our home, now connected to the StarLink modem, is running at max speed. Total cost so far has been ~$495 for the gear, one hour for easy installation (my own labor), and ~$90 per month for access to the satellites. (We haven?t gotten our first monthly invoice.) We do pay extra for some online fare, but not to SpaceX. It goes directly to Apple, Showtime, Netflix, various Patreon podcasts, etc. Providers of ?conventional" broadband modalities ? cable and fiber ?must string cable/fiber overhead and/or bury it in conduits and trenches; and must build local networks to distribute data to offices and households. Providers may require their homeowner, office, ranch, etc. customers to own additional gear. Also, they may have fees to pay for channels they resell to customers, links from fiber to cable, their own tower or satellite expenses, etc. They pass along most of these expenses to their local-government and household/office subscribers. Each modality must provide quality service to its customers and generate earnings for its owners. My questions to my 1st-Mile colleagues: 1. In your experience, what are comparable numbers for satellite internet vs conventional cable and/or fiber to the home in a rural setting with about 450 households concentrated on one mile of highway (that is supposed one day to be wired with fiber per state dictates) and another 100 on the perimeter. If you were writing a grant for this purpose, on which modality would you rely? Special conditions? Thanks for your rapid reply. We have to file our application January 31st, latest! Bob Jacobson Atelier Tomorrow Inc. A Nonprofit Consultancy Patagonia, AZ 85624 (520) 370-1259 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/bobjacobson > On 15Nov2021, at 5:47 PM, 1st-mile-nm-request at mailman.dcn.org wrote: > > Send 1st-mile-nm mailing list submissions to > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > 1st-mile-nm-request at mailman.dcn.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > 1st-mile-nm-owner at mailman.dcn.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of 1st-mile-nm digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. FCC Telehealth Funding in NM (Richard Lowenberg) > 2. USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants: NM > (Richard Lowenberg) > 3. Comcast brings 1.2 Gbps fiber internet to Gallup, NM > (Richard Lowenberg) > 4. Vexus Fiber readies FTTP plus 10G for Albuquerque > (Richard Lowenberg) > 5. Federal Broadband Funding: Overviews (Richard Lowenberg) > 6. Re: Federal Broadband Funding: Overviews (Owen Densmore) > 7. Fwd: NM DOIT/CTC WEBINAR INVITE: Overview - USDA Reconnect > Loan and Grant Program (Richard Lowenberg) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Fri, 22 Oct 2021 14:32:38 -0600 > From: Richard Lowenberg > To: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> > Subject: [1st-mile-nm] FCC Telehealth Funding in NM > Message-ID: <7683940b09984d38cfde46fd96c33ede at 1st-mile.org> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed > > FCC ANNOUNCES AN ADDITIONAL $40.46 MILLION AWARDED > AS PART OF COVID-19 TELEHEALTH PROGRAM > > WASHINGTON, October 21, 2021?The Federal Communications Commission today > approved an additional 71 applications for funding commitments totaling > $40,468,845 for > Round 2 of its COVID-19 Telehealth Program. This is the FCC?s third > funding announcement > of approved Round 2 applications bringing the total to approximately > $123.6 million awarded to health care providers in each state, > territory, and the District of Columbia. > https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-announces-third-set-awards-covid-19-telehealth-round-2-0 > > Funded in NM: > > First Nations Community HealthSource in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a > Federally > Qualified Health Center that serves Tribal and Hispanic communities, was > awarded > $655,395 for laptops and connected devices that support remote patient > monitoring, > which will help ensure proper treatment of patients in their homes > without requiring inperson visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. > > > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > --------------------------------------------------------------- > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Mon, 25 Oct 2021 12:47:49 -0600 > From: Richard Lowenberg > To: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> > Subject: [1st-mile-nm] USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants: > NM > Message-ID: <54ab3bfc9d81ba0fb16599b78a5364bc at 1st-mile.org> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed > > The USDA has announced its latest Distance Learning and > Telemedicine Grants, with one award in NM. > > Ben Archer Health Center, Inc. $90,372 > > This Rural Development investment will be used to assist the > Health Education and Access to Learning (HEAL) Project. > The HEAL Project will deliver distance learning to rural and > exceptionally rural individuals in Northern Dona Ana, Sierra, > Otero and Luna Counties, New Mexico. The HEAL Project will > affect an estimate 97,000 people directly or indirectly in > southern New Mexico. > > https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2021/10/22/usda-make-115-billion-available-help-people-living-rural > > > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > --------------------------------------------------------------- > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 3 > Date: Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:03:14 -0600 > From: Richard Lowenberg > To: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> > Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Comcast brings 1.2 Gbps fiber internet to > Gallup, NM > Message-ID: > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed > > Comcast brings 1.2 Gbps fiber internet to Gallup, NM > > Oct. 28, 2021 > > https://www.broadbandtechreport.com/fiber/article/14213037/comcast-brings-12gbps-fiber-internet-to-gallup-nm > > Currently, more than 9,000 homes and businesses have access to Comcast?s > network in Gallup, New Mexico. > > In New Mexico, Comcast this month announced the company has introduced > additional Internet speed tiers for homes and small businesses in the > Gallup area, with internet speeds up to 1.2 Gbps now available to new > and existing customers. > > Currently, more than 9,000 homes and businesses have access to Comcast?s > network in Gallup. Consumers have access to all of the company's Xfinity > Internet packages including 50 Mbps, 100 Mbps, 300 Mbps, 600 Mbps, 900 > Mbps, and 1.2 Gig speed tiers. From supporting four connected devices at > a time, to speeds designed for heavy streamers, Gallup residents have a > variety of Comcast options to keep them connected. > > Bill Lee, CEO, Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce, commented, > ?Fast and reliable broadband is a key component of a vibrant economy. As > Gallup businesses continue to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, > it is good to see Comcast?s investment in our community to help ensure > that new and existing businesses will have the bandwidth needed to > succeed in the digital economy. With Internet speeds ranging from 50 > Mbps to 1.2 Gigabits, Gallup can continue to recruit more industry > sectors into our community, and help existing businesses grow.? > > Additionally, Comcast announced it will continue to offer its low-cost, > high-speed Internet program, Internet Essentials, to help provide more > low-income households in Gallup with the tools and resources they need > to succeed in an increasingly digital world. The program provides 50 > Mbps at-home internet access to low-income households for $9.95 per > month. Households that qualify for programs like the National School > Lunch Program, housing assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, and others may > qualify for Internet Essentials. > > Since the program launched in 2011, Comcast says it has connected > 296,000 low-income New Mexicans to the power of the Internet at home, > including 2,800 individuals in Gallup. > > Sarah Piano, Managing Regional Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters > Mountain Region, asserted, ?When Comcast operates in your community, you > can count on them to provide support to local nonprofits and community > organizations. Comcast is a long-standing partner and an amazing > supporter of our critical mentoring work in Gallup and across New > Mexico. Their Internet Essentials program is extremely affordable and > helped us connect dozens of our families to an at-home Internet > connection, which was critical this past year more than ever. Comcast > genuinely cares about the communities they work in and continually > strives to make things better for the families within those communities. > We are so grateful for their partnership.? > > > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > --------------------------------------------------------------- > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 4 > Date: Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:07:23 -0600 > From: Richard Lowenberg > To: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> > Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Vexus Fiber readies FTTP plus 10G for > Albuquerque > Message-ID: <0114b6cb6971ea70e4960e39bd20346d at 1st-mile.org> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed > > Vexus Fiber readies FTTP plus 10G for Albuquerque > > Nov. 1, 2021 > https://www.broadbandtechreport.com/fiber/article/14213181/vexus-fiber-readies-fttp-plus-10g-for-albuquerque > > Company plans $250 million investment for its latest 100% fiber > broadband project. > > Vexus Fiber announced on Oct. 28 that it will be bringing its 100% > fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network to the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico. > The company said it will invest $250 million in the infrastructure of > the network and create 200 jobs in the construction phase over the next > three years. > > Vexus added that it will be building a 10 gigabit network, "so that as > devices get faster in the future, customers will have an internet option > that can keep up." Broadband packages with symmetrical upload and > download speeds up to one gigabit will be initially available to > customers. The network will be available for both homes and businesses > and will be 100% fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP), "meaning fewer > connectivity issues for customers," added a Vexus statement. > > Vexus Fiber said it plans to begin engineering for the project > immediately and start construction early next year. Completion of the > network is expected by 2024, but the network will be activated in > stages, so that some areas of the city will see service available > beginning in 2022. > > Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller commented, ?In the past year, it has become > clear that internet is not just a quality-of-life issue, but a fast, > reliable connection for every family and business is necessary for > learning and working too. High-speed fiber represents a major investment > in our infrastructure, creating hundreds of jobs for Albuquerque and > providing us with another key asset as we recruit more companies to our > city. This investment in a ubiquitous fiber network is also necessary to > make sure that no one is left behind in the quest for universal > affordable access to high-speed broadband services (that is, to ?bridge > the digital divide?). We welcome Vexus along with other fiber developers > who are interested in investing in ABQ and appreciate their confidence > in this great City.? > > In addition to the 200 construction jobs the project will create, the > company plans to create 150 permanent jobs with the opening of a local > office and storefront. > > ?We are excited to announce the expansion of fiber high-speed broadband > into Albuquerque,? said Jim Gleason, CEO of Vexus Fiber. ?We are > thrilled to become a part of the City of Albuquerque and see the area as > a terrific place for business. This network of the future will help > foster additional growth and economic development for the area.? > > Vexus has committed to building its fiber network throughout the entire > city and says it will provide service to all corners of Albuquerque. To > date, the company notes has installed successful high-speed fiber > networks in over 35 cities in Texas and Louisiana. > > ?This is a real win for the residents of our city,? said Dan Serrano, > CEO of the city's Westside Chamber of Commerce. ?Vexus is bringing > construction and permanent jobs with its expansion to Albuquerque as > well as faster connectivity for residents.? > > Vexus notes "the cost of the new service will be comparable to the other > services provided in the city today, but with better performance." The > first phase of the network could be available to Albuquerque residents > by summer 2022, according to company representatives. > > Learn more at www.connect.vexusfiber.com > > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > --------------------------------------------------------------- > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 5 > Date: Mon, 08 Nov 2021 12:42:38 -0700 > From: Richard Lowenberg > To: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> > Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Federal Broadband Funding: Overviews > Message-ID: <751ebe36257b955814b81a8861608f57 at 1st-mile.org> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed > > Here are two postings that provide excellent information on the just > Congressionally passed Federal Broadband Funding Programs. > > From the Benton Institute: > https://www.benton.org/blog/largest-us-investment-broadband-deployment-ever > > CCG?s POTs and PANs blog: > https://potsandpansbyccg.com/2021/11/08/the-broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-program/ > > RL > > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > --------------------------------------------------------------- > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 6 > Date: Mon, 8 Nov 2021 16:01:31 -0700 > From: Owen Densmore > To: Richard Lowenberg > Cc: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> > Subject: Re: [1st-mile-nm] Federal Broadband Funding: Overviews > Message-ID: > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > Interesting! How will this impact NM? Hopefully we'll finally have > affordable, high speed, multiple provider internet for everyone. > > -- Owen > > On Mon, Nov 8, 2021 at 12:42 PM Richard Lowenberg wrote: > >> Here are two postings that provide excellent information on the just >> Congressionally passed Federal Broadband Funding Programs. >> >> From the Benton Institute: >> https://www.benton.org/blog/largest-us-investment-broadband-deployment-ever >> >> CCG?s POTs and PANs blog: >> >> https://potsandpansbyccg.com/2021/11/08/the-broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-program/ >> >> RL >> >> >> --------------------------------------------------------------- >> Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director >> 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 >> Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, >> rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org >> --------------------------------------------------------------- >> _______________________________________________ >> 1st-mile-nm mailing list >> 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org >> http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm >> > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 7 > Date: Mon, 15 Nov 2021 17:47:39 -0700 > From: Richard Lowenberg > To: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> > Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Fwd: NM DOIT/CTC WEBINAR INVITE: Overview - > USDA Reconnect Loan and Grant Program > Message-ID: <1acaa205a1ea1ccd294e3583f396b45f at 1st-mile.org> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; Format="flowed" > > -------- Original Message -------- > Subject: NM DOIT/CTC WEBINAR INVITE: Overview - USDA Reconnect Loan and > Grant Program > Date: 2021-11-15 17:28 > From: "Clarke, George, DoIT" > Cc: "Tilton, Rand, DoIT" , "Karen White > (kwhite at ctcnet.us)" > > ReConnect Loan and Grant Program Workshop > > The _New Mexico Department of Information Technology_ (NM DoIT) has > partnered with _CTC Technology & Energy_ to host a workshop on the > USDA's Broadband ReConnect program. > > This informational workshop will provide detail regarding opportunities > associated with the USDA ReConnect Program. This program furnishes loans > and grants to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, > and/or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide > broadband service to eligible rural areas. > > The USDA's Broadband ReConnect Program new rules dramatically expand > eligibility and effectively redefine broadband. Entities that can apply > for ReConnect assistance include corporations, limited liability > companies/partnerships, cooperative or mutual organizations, > states/local governments including > agency/subdivision/instrumentality/political subdivision, and Tribal (as > defined in Section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education > Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b)). > > Please join us as we review the program's new rules, provide guidance on > how to take advantage of this funding opportunity, and share tips on how > to position your application. > > The ReConnect Loan and Grant Program Workshop will be held on Wednesday, > November 17 from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. MDT. In this workshop, there > will be time to provide answers and strategic direction to participants. > > > Register in advance for this meeting: > > https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJElcOyuqzsvHtIJvHxkULVAbtPhK8zyAE7t > > After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing > information about joining the meeting. > > Thank you, > > DoIT New Mexico Broadband Program and CTC Technology and Energy > > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > --------------------------------------------------------------- > -------------- next part -------------- > A non-text attachment was scrubbed... > Name: DoIT_CTC_ReConnect Loan and Grant Program_invitation.pdf > Type: application/pdf > Size: 115779 bytes > Desc: not available > URL: > > ------------------------------ > > Subject: Digest Footer > > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > > > ------------------------------ > > End of 1st-mile-nm Digest, Vol 181, Issue 1 > ******************************************* -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From owen at backspaces.net Tue Dec 28 08:58:15 2021 From: owen at backspaces.net (Owen Densmore) Date: Tue, 28 Dec 2021 09:58:15 -0700 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] URGENT: Satellite Internet v. Cable/Fiber Internet: costs and benefits? In-Reply-To: <659CBFC1-7165-4295-81AA-7DC50EF6C0C6@atelier-tomorrow.com> References: <659CBFC1-7165-4295-81AA-7DC50EF6C0C6@atelier-tomorrow.com> Message-ID: What about cellular? T-Mobile has a dongle that you plug into the wall and it delivers wifi to the home. It's only available in certain areas but I plan to try it as soon as it is available to my home. My bet is some of us are already using this? -- Owen On Tue, Dec 28, 2021 at 9:46 AM Robert Jacobson < robert.jacobson at atelier-tomorrow.com> wrote: > Dear 1st Mile Friends, > > I?m preparing an application for a state broadband grant and need your > input to knowledgeably ask for funding for what purposes. Here?s why... > > Our household experience with SpaceX's StarLink broadband service has been > great (250-300Mbps down, 25Mbps up), no weather interference, etc. The > modem supplied with the two-foot self-aiming antenna is powerful enough > that my neighbor?s visitors 20 yards away can camp on it. (We?re friends.) > > Every device in our home, now connected to the StarLink modem, is running > at max speed. Total cost so far has been ~$495 for the gear, one hour for > easy installation (my own labor), and ~$90 per month for access to the > satellites. (We haven?t gotten our first monthly invoice.) > > We do pay extra for some online fare, but not to SpaceX. It goes directly > to Apple, Showtime, Netflix, various Patreon podcasts, etc. > > Providers of ?conventional" broadband modalities ? cable and fiber ?must > string cable/fiber overhead and/or bury it in conduits and trenches; and > must build local networks to distribute data to offices and households. > Providers may require their homeowner, office, ranch, etc. customers to own > additional gear. > > Also, they may have fees to pay for channels they resell to customers, > links from fiber to cable, their own tower or satellite expenses, etc. > They pass along most of these expenses to their local-government and > household/office subscribers. > > Each modality must provide quality service to its customers and generate > earnings for its owners. > > My questions to my 1st-Mile colleagues: > > 1. In your experience, what are comparable numbers for satellite internet > vs conventional cable and/or fiber to the home in a rural setting with > about 450 households concentrated on one mile of highway (that is supposed > one day to be wired with fiber per state dictates) and another 100 on the > perimeter. > > If you were writing a grant for this purpose, on which modality would you > rely? Special conditions? > > Thanks for your rapid reply. We have to file our application January 31st, > latest! > > Bob Jacobson > Atelier Tomorrow Inc. > A Nonprofit Consultancy > Patagonia, AZ 85624 > (520) 370-1259 > LinkedIn: > https://linkedin.com/in/bobjacobson > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jbadal at sacredwindnm.com Tue Dec 28 09:25:47 2021 From: jbadal at sacredwindnm.com (John Badal) Date: Tue, 28 Dec 2021 17:25:47 +0000 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] URGENT: Satellite Internet v. Cable/Fiber Internet: costs and benefits? In-Reply-To: <659CBFC1-7165-4295-81AA-7DC50EF6C0C6@atelier-tomorrow.com> References: <659CBFC1-7165-4295-81AA-7DC50EF6C0C6@atelier-tomorrow.com> Message-ID: SPAM From: 1st-mile-nm <1st-mile-nm-bounces at mailman.dcn.org> On Behalf Of Robert Jacobson Sent: Tuesday, December 28, 2021 9:46 AM To: 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org Subject: [1st-mile-nm] URGENT: Satellite Internet v. Cable/Fiber Internet: costs and benefits? Dear 1st Mile Friends, I'm preparing an application for a state broadband grant and need your input to knowledgeably ask for funding for what purposes. Here's why... Our household experience with SpaceX's StarLink broadband service has been great (250-300Mbps down, 25Mbps up), no weather interference, etc. The modem supplied with the two-foot self-aiming antenna is powerful enough that my neighbor's visitors 20 yards away can camp on it. (We're friends.) Every device in our home, now connected to the StarLink modem, is running at max speed. Total cost so far has been ~$495 for the gear, one hour for easy installation (my own labor), and ~$90 per month for access to the satellites. (We haven't gotten our first monthly invoice.) We do pay extra for some online fare, but not to SpaceX. It goes directly to Apple, Showtime, Netflix, various Patreon podcasts, etc. Providers of "conventional" broadband modalities - cable and fiber -must string cable/fiber overhead and/or bury it in conduits and trenches; and must build local networks to distribute data to offices and households. Providers may require their homeowner, office, ranch, etc. customers to own additional gear. Also, they may have fees to pay for channels they resell to customers, links from fiber to cable, their own tower or satellite expenses, etc. They pass along most of these expenses to their local-government and household/office subscribers. Each modality must provide quality service to its customers and generate earnings for its owners. My questions to my 1st-Mile colleagues: 1. In your experience, what are comparable numbers for satellite internet vs conventional cable and/or fiber to the home in a rural setting with about 450 households concentrated on one mile of highway (that is supposed one day to be wired with fiber per state dictates) and another 100 on the perimeter. If you were writing a grant for this purpose, on which modality would you rely? Special conditions? Thanks for your rapid reply. We have to file our application January 31st, latest! Bob Jacobson Atelier Tomorrow Inc. A Nonprofit Consultancy Patagonia, AZ 85624 (520) 370-1259 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/bobjacobson On 15Nov2021, at 5:47 PM, 1st-mile-nm-request at mailman.dcn.org wrote: Send 1st-mile-nm mailing list submissions to 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to 1st-mile-nm-request at mailman.dcn.org You can reach the person managing the list at 1st-mile-nm-owner at mailman.dcn.org When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of 1st-mile-nm digest..." Today's Topics: 1. FCC Telehealth Funding in NM (Richard Lowenberg) 2. USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants: NM (Richard Lowenberg) 3. Comcast brings 1.2 Gbps fiber internet to Gallup, NM (Richard Lowenberg) 4. Vexus Fiber readies FTTP plus 10G for Albuquerque (Richard Lowenberg) 5. Federal Broadband Funding: Overviews (Richard Lowenberg) 6. Re: Federal Broadband Funding: Overviews (Owen Densmore) 7. Fwd: NM DOIT/CTC WEBINAR INVITE: Overview - USDA Reconnect Loan and Grant Program (Richard Lowenberg) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Fri, 22 Oct 2021 14:32:38 -0600 From: Richard Lowenberg > To: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> Subject: [1st-mile-nm] FCC Telehealth Funding in NM Message-ID: <7683940b09984d38cfde46fd96c33ede at 1st-mile.org> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed FCC ANNOUNCES AN ADDITIONAL $40.46 MILLION AWARDED AS PART OF COVID-19 TELEHEALTH PROGRAM WASHINGTON, October 21, 2021?The Federal Communications Commission today approved an additional 71 applications for funding commitments totaling $40,468,845 for Round 2 of its COVID-19 Telehealth Program. This is the FCC?s third funding announcement of approved Round 2 applications bringing the total to approximately $123.6 million awarded to health care providers in each state, territory, and the District of Columbia. https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-announces-third-set-awards-covid-19-telehealth-round-2-0 Funded in NM: First Nations Community HealthSource in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a Federally Qualified Health Center that serves Tribal and Hispanic communities, was awarded $655,395 for laptops and connected devices that support remote patient monitoring, which will help ensure proper treatment of patients in their homes without requiring inperson visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Message: 2 Date: Mon, 25 Oct 2021 12:47:49 -0600 From: Richard Lowenberg > To: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> Subject: [1st-mile-nm] USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants: NM Message-ID: <54ab3bfc9d81ba0fb16599b78a5364bc at 1st-mile.org> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed The USDA has announced its latest Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants, with one award in NM. Ben Archer Health Center, Inc. $90,372 This Rural Development investment will be used to assist the Health Education and Access to Learning (HEAL) Project. The HEAL Project will deliver distance learning to rural and exceptionally rural individuals in Northern Dona Ana, Sierra, Otero and Luna Counties, New Mexico. The HEAL Project will affect an estimate 97,000 people directly or indirectly in southern New Mexico. https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2021/10/22/usda-make-115-billion-available-help-people-living-rural --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Message: 3 Date: Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:03:14 -0600 From: Richard Lowenberg > To: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Comcast brings 1.2 Gbps fiber internet to Gallup, NM Message-ID: > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed Comcast brings 1.2 Gbps fiber internet to Gallup, NM Oct. 28, 2021 https://www.broadbandtechreport.com/fiber/article/14213037/comcast-brings-12gbps-fiber-internet-to-gallup-nm Currently, more than 9,000 homes and businesses have access to Comcast?s network in Gallup, New Mexico. In New Mexico, Comcast this month announced the company has introduced additional Internet speed tiers for homes and small businesses in the Gallup area, with internet speeds up to 1.2 Gbps now available to new and existing customers. Currently, more than 9,000 homes and businesses have access to Comcast?s network in Gallup. Consumers have access to all of the company's Xfinity Internet packages including 50 Mbps, 100 Mbps, 300 Mbps, 600 Mbps, 900 Mbps, and 1.2 Gig speed tiers. From supporting four connected devices at a time, to speeds designed for heavy streamers, Gallup residents have a variety of Comcast options to keep them connected. Bill Lee, CEO, Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce, commented, ?Fast and reliable broadband is a key component of a vibrant economy. As Gallup businesses continue to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, it is good to see Comcast?s investment in our community to help ensure that new and existing businesses will have the bandwidth needed to succeed in the digital economy. With Internet speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to 1.2 Gigabits, Gallup can continue to recruit more industry sectors into our community, and help existing businesses grow.? Additionally, Comcast announced it will continue to offer its low-cost, high-speed Internet program, Internet Essentials, to help provide more low-income households in Gallup with the tools and resources they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. The program provides 50 Mbps at-home internet access to low-income households for $9.95 per month. Households that qualify for programs like the National School Lunch Program, housing assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, and others may qualify for Internet Essentials. Since the program launched in 2011, Comcast says it has connected 296,000 low-income New Mexicans to the power of the Internet at home, including 2,800 individuals in Gallup. Sarah Piano, Managing Regional Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters Mountain Region, asserted, ?When Comcast operates in your community, you can count on them to provide support to local nonprofits and community organizations. Comcast is a long-standing partner and an amazing supporter of our critical mentoring work in Gallup and across New Mexico. Their Internet Essentials program is extremely affordable and helped us connect dozens of our families to an at-home Internet connection, which was critical this past year more than ever. Comcast genuinely cares about the communities they work in and continually strives to make things better for the families within those communities. We are so grateful for their partnership.? --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Message: 4 Date: Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:07:23 -0600 From: Richard Lowenberg > To: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Vexus Fiber readies FTTP plus 10G for Albuquerque Message-ID: <0114b6cb6971ea70e4960e39bd20346d at 1st-mile.org> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed Vexus Fiber readies FTTP plus 10G for Albuquerque Nov. 1, 2021 https://www.broadbandtechreport.com/fiber/article/14213181/vexus-fiber-readies-fttp-plus-10g-for-albuquerque Company plans $250 million investment for its latest 100% fiber broadband project. Vexus Fiber announced on Oct. 28 that it will be bringing its 100% fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network to the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The company said it will invest $250 million in the infrastructure of the network and create 200 jobs in the construction phase over the next three years. Vexus added that it will be building a 10 gigabit network, "so that as devices get faster in the future, customers will have an internet option that can keep up." Broadband packages with symmetrical upload and download speeds up to one gigabit will be initially available to customers. The network will be available for both homes and businesses and will be 100% fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP), "meaning fewer connectivity issues for customers," added a Vexus statement. Vexus Fiber said it plans to begin engineering for the project immediately and start construction early next year. Completion of the network is expected by 2024, but the network will be activated in stages, so that some areas of the city will see service available beginning in 2022. Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller commented, ?In the past year, it has become clear that internet is not just a quality-of-life issue, but a fast, reliable connection for every family and business is necessary for learning and working too. High-speed fiber represents a major investment in our infrastructure, creating hundreds of jobs for Albuquerque and providing us with another key asset as we recruit more companies to our city. This investment in a ubiquitous fiber network is also necessary to make sure that no one is left behind in the quest for universal affordable access to high-speed broadband services (that is, to ?bridge the digital divide?). We welcome Vexus along with other fiber developers who are interested in investing in ABQ and appreciate their confidence in this great City.? In addition to the 200 construction jobs the project will create, the company plans to create 150 permanent jobs with the opening of a local office and storefront. ?We are excited to announce the expansion of fiber high-speed broadband into Albuquerque,? said Jim Gleason, CEO of Vexus Fiber. ?We are thrilled to become a part of the City of Albuquerque and see the area as a terrific place for business. This network of the future will help foster additional growth and economic development for the area.? Vexus has committed to building its fiber network throughout the entire city and says it will provide service to all corners of Albuquerque. To date, the company notes has installed successful high-speed fiber networks in over 35 cities in Texas and Louisiana. ?This is a real win for the residents of our city,? said Dan Serrano, CEO of the city's Westside Chamber of Commerce. ?Vexus is bringing construction and permanent jobs with its expansion to Albuquerque as well as faster connectivity for residents.? Vexus notes "the cost of the new service will be comparable to the other services provided in the city today, but with better performance." The first phase of the network could be available to Albuquerque residents by summer 2022, according to company representatives. Learn more at www.connect.vexusfiber.com --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Message: 5 Date: Mon, 08 Nov 2021 12:42:38 -0700 From: Richard Lowenberg > To: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Federal Broadband Funding: Overviews Message-ID: <751ebe36257b955814b81a8861608f57 at 1st-mile.org> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed Here are two postings that provide excellent information on the just Congressionally passed Federal Broadband Funding Programs. >From the Benton Institute: https://www.benton.org/blog/largest-us-investment-broadband-deployment-ever CCG?s POTs and PANs blog: https://potsandpansbyccg.com/2021/11/08/the-broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-program/ RL --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Message: 6 Date: Mon, 8 Nov 2021 16:01:31 -0700 From: Owen Densmore > To: Richard Lowenberg > Cc: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> Subject: Re: [1st-mile-nm] Federal Broadband Funding: Overviews Message-ID: > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" Interesting! How will this impact NM? Hopefully we'll finally have affordable, high speed, multiple provider internet for everyone. -- Owen On Mon, Nov 8, 2021 at 12:42 PM Richard Lowenberg > wrote: Here are two postings that provide excellent information on the just Congressionally passed Federal Broadband Funding Programs. >From the Benton Institute: https://www.benton.org/blog/largest-us-investment-broadband-deployment-ever CCG?s POTs and PANs blog: https://potsandpansbyccg.com/2021/11/08/the-broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-program/ RL --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________ 1st-mile-nm mailing list 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: ------------------------------ Message: 7 Date: Mon, 15 Nov 2021 17:47:39 -0700 From: Richard Lowenberg > To: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Fwd: NM DOIT/CTC WEBINAR INVITE: Overview - USDA Reconnect Loan and Grant Program Message-ID: <1acaa205a1ea1ccd294e3583f396b45f at 1st-mile.org> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; Format="flowed" -------- Original Message -------- Subject: NM DOIT/CTC WEBINAR INVITE: Overview - USDA Reconnect Loan and Grant Program Date: 2021-11-15 17:28 From: "Clarke, George, DoIT" > Cc: "Tilton, Rand, DoIT" >, "Karen White (kwhite at ctcnet.us)" > ReConnect Loan and Grant Program Workshop The _New Mexico Department of Information Technology_ (NM DoIT) has partnered with _CTC Technology & Energy_ to host a workshop on the USDA's Broadband ReConnect program. This informational workshop will provide detail regarding opportunities associated with the USDA ReConnect Program. This program furnishes loans and grants to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, and/or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service to eligible rural areas. The USDA's Broadband ReConnect Program new rules dramatically expand eligibility and effectively redefine broadband. Entities that can apply for ReConnect assistance include corporations, limited liability companies/partnerships, cooperative or mutual organizations, states/local governments including agency/subdivision/instrumentality/political subdivision, and Tribal (as defined in Section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b)). Please join us as we review the program's new rules, provide guidance on how to take advantage of this funding opportunity, and share tips on how to position your application. The ReConnect Loan and Grant Program Workshop will be held on Wednesday, November 17 from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. MDT. In this workshop, there will be time to provide answers and strategic direction to participants. Register in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJElcOyuqzsvHtIJvHxkULVAbtPhK8zyAE7t After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Thank you, DoIT New Mexico Broadband Program and CTC Technology and Energy --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: DoIT_CTC_ReConnect Loan and Grant Program_invitation.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 115779 bytes Desc: not available URL: ------------------------------ Subject: Digest Footer _______________________________________________ 1st-mile-nm mailing list 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm ------------------------------ End of 1st-mile-nm Digest, Vol 181, Issue 1 ******************************************* -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From gil.densmore at gmail.com Wed Dec 29 06:51:07 2021 From: gil.densmore at gmail.com (Gillian Densmore) Date: Wed, 29 Dec 2021 07:51:07 -0700 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] URGENT: Satellite Internet v. Cable/Fiber Internet: costs and benefits? In-Reply-To: References: <659CBFC1-7165-4295-81AA-7DC50EF6C0C6@atelier-tomorrow.com> Message-ID: that's great richard. When are we going to se some, ya know action? Fact is the QOL for cellular and internet in NM is bairly about 1990. many people in NM don't even qualify for the GD bairmin of the FCC's just stupid 25megs? what drugs is the industry on, and in what reality is that even remotely close to ok? 2020 should have proven that with comcast having a fucking monoply, some actual, real, action the bitching about memos, and pole rights. Their's a god damn loop of plastic for getting fiber close to the curb, and what's been done with it? who knows? In that time Musk has put tin-cans in orbit with better fucking QA then the god damn industry litterally on the ground has. It's not cute, or ok, or cool to for a bunch of PHDs and smart motherfuckers for telecomunications to go oh hey heres ordance 99 title 5g subsection 501c3 that says its ok to start digging and we'll get 30megs to someareas around 2090. Ya'all have a bunch of doctrates, and know an amazing amount about how the fucking internet works. So where's the fucking action? we--just bairly now get kinda-sort-of-ok QA and QOS because tmobile has a fucking publicity nightmare. and now is getting people onto their 5g network and fucking DSL speeds? RLY?! Wake me up when we hit the year 2k for speed, quality and latency. On Tue, Dec 28, 2021 at 10:26 AM John Badal wrote: > SPAM > > > > *From:* 1st-mile-nm <1st-mile-nm-bounces at mailman.dcn.org> *On Behalf Of *Robert > Jacobson > *Sent:* Tuesday, December 28, 2021 9:46 AM > *To:* 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > *Subject:* [1st-mile-nm] URGENT: Satellite Internet v. Cable/Fiber > Internet: costs and benefits? > > > > Dear 1st Mile Friends, > > > > I?m preparing an application for a state broadband grant > and need your input to knowledgeably ask for funding for what purposes. > Here?s why... > > > > Our household experience with SpaceX's StarLink broadband > service has been great (250-300Mbps down, 25Mbps up), no weather > interference, etc. The modem supplied with the two-foot self-aiming > antenna is powerful enough that my neighbor?s visitors 20 yards away can > camp on it. (We?re friends.) > > > > Every device in our home, now connected to the StarLink > modem, is running at max speed. Total cost so far has been ~$495 for the > gear, one hour for easy installation (my own labor), and ~$90 per month for > access to the satellites. (We haven?t gotten our first monthly invoice.) > > > > We do pay extra for some online fare, but not to SpaceX. > It goes directly to Apple, Showtime, Netflix, various Patreon podcasts, etc. > > > > Providers of ?conventional" broadband modalities ? cable > and fiber ?must string cable/fiber overhead and/or bury it in conduits and > trenches; and must build local networks to distribute data to offices and > households. Providers may require their homeowner, office, ranch, etc. > customers to own additional gear. > > > > Also, they may have fees to pay for channels they resell > to customers, links from fiber to cable, their own tower or satellite > expenses, etc. They pass along most of these expenses to their > local-government and household/office subscribers. > > > > Each modality must provide quality service to its > customers and generate earnings for its owners. > > > > My questions to my 1st-Mile colleagues: > > > > 1. In your experience, what are comparable numbers for > satellite internet vs conventional cable and/or fiber to the home in a > rural setting with about 450 households concentrated on one mile of highway > (that is supposed one day to be wired with fiber per state dictates) and > another 100 on the perimeter. > > > > If you were writing a grant for this purpose, on which > modality would you rely? Special conditions? > > > > Thanks for your rapid reply. We have to file our > application January 31st, latest! > > > > Bob Jacobson > > Atelier Tomorrow Inc. > > A Nonprofit Consultancy > > Patagonia, AZ 85624 > > (520) 370-1259 > > LinkedIn: > > https://linkedin.com/in/bobjacobson > > > > > > > > > > On 15Nov2021, at 5:47 PM, 1st-mile-nm-request at mailman.dcn.org wrote: > > > > Send 1st-mile-nm mailing list submissions to > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > 1st-mile-nm-request at mailman.dcn.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > 1st-mile-nm-owner at mailman.dcn.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of 1st-mile-nm digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. FCC Telehealth Funding in NM (Richard Lowenberg) > 2. USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants: NM > (Richard Lowenberg) > 3. Comcast brings 1.2 Gbps fiber internet to Gallup, NM > (Richard Lowenberg) > 4. Vexus Fiber readies FTTP plus 10G for Albuquerque > (Richard Lowenberg) > 5. Federal Broadband Funding: Overviews (Richard Lowenberg) > 6. Re: Federal Broadband Funding: Overviews (Owen Densmore) > 7. Fwd: NM DOIT/CTC WEBINAR INVITE: Overview - USDA Reconnect > Loan and Grant Program (Richard Lowenberg) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Fri, 22 Oct 2021 14:32:38 -0600 > From: Richard Lowenberg > To: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> > Subject: [1st-mile-nm] FCC Telehealth Funding in NM > Message-ID: <7683940b09984d38cfde46fd96c33ede at 1st-mile.org> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed > > FCC ANNOUNCES AN ADDITIONAL $40.46 MILLION AWARDED > AS PART OF COVID-19 TELEHEALTH PROGRAM > > WASHINGTON, October 21, 2021?The Federal Communications Commission today > approved an additional 71 applications for funding commitments totaling > $40,468,845 for > Round 2 of its COVID-19 Telehealth Program. This is the FCC?s third > funding announcement > of approved Round 2 applications bringing the total to approximately > $123.6 million awarded to health care providers in each state, > territory, and the District of Columbia. > > https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-announces-third-set-awards-covid-19-telehealth-round-2-0 > > Funded in NM: > > First Nations Community HealthSource in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a > Federally > Qualified Health Center that serves Tribal and Hispanic communities, was > awarded > $655,395 for laptops and connected devices that support remote patient > monitoring, > which will help ensure proper treatment of patients in their homes > without requiring inperson visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. > > > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > --------------------------------------------------------------- > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Mon, 25 Oct 2021 12:47:49 -0600 > From: Richard Lowenberg > To: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> > Subject: [1st-mile-nm] USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants: > NM > Message-ID: <54ab3bfc9d81ba0fb16599b78a5364bc at 1st-mile.org> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed > > The USDA has announced its latest Distance Learning and > Telemedicine Grants, with one award in NM. > > Ben Archer Health Center, Inc. $90,372 > > This Rural Development investment will be used to assist the > Health Education and Access to Learning (HEAL) Project. > The HEAL Project will deliver distance learning to rural and > exceptionally rural individuals in Northern Dona Ana, Sierra, > Otero and Luna Counties, New Mexico. The HEAL Project will > affect an estimate 97,000 people directly or indirectly in > southern New Mexico. > > > https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2021/10/22/usda-make-115-billion-available-help-people-living-rural > > > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > --------------------------------------------------------------- > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 3 > Date: Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:03:14 -0600 > From: Richard Lowenberg > To: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> > Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Comcast brings 1.2 Gbps fiber internet to > Gallup, NM > Message-ID: > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed > > Comcast brings 1.2 Gbps fiber internet to Gallup, NM > > Oct. 28, 2021 > > > https://www.broadbandtechreport.com/fiber/article/14213037/comcast-brings-12gbps-fiber-internet-to-gallup-nm > > Currently, more than 9,000 homes and businesses have access to Comcast?s > network in Gallup, New Mexico. > > In New Mexico, Comcast this month announced the company has introduced > additional Internet speed tiers for homes and small businesses in the > Gallup area, with internet speeds up to 1.2 Gbps now available to new > and existing customers. > > Currently, more than 9,000 homes and businesses have access to Comcast?s > network in Gallup. Consumers have access to all of the company's Xfinity > Internet packages including 50 Mbps, 100 Mbps, 300 Mbps, 600 Mbps, 900 > Mbps, and 1.2 Gig speed tiers. From supporting four connected devices at > a time, to speeds designed for heavy streamers, Gallup residents have a > variety of Comcast options to keep them connected. > > Bill Lee, CEO, Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce, commented, > ?Fast and reliable broadband is a key component of a vibrant economy. As > Gallup businesses continue to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, > it is good to see Comcast?s investment in our community to help ensure > that new and existing businesses will have the bandwidth needed to > succeed in the digital economy. With Internet speeds ranging from 50 > Mbps to 1.2 Gigabits, Gallup can continue to recruit more industry > sectors into our community, and help existing businesses grow.? > > Additionally, Comcast announced it will continue to offer its low-cost, > high-speed Internet program, Internet Essentials, to help provide more > low-income households in Gallup with the tools and resources they need > to succeed in an increasingly digital world. The program provides 50 > Mbps at-home internet access to low-income households for $9.95 per > month. Households that qualify for programs like the National School > Lunch Program, housing assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, and others may > qualify for Internet Essentials. > > Since the program launched in 2011, Comcast says it has connected > 296,000 low-income New Mexicans to the power of the Internet at home, > including 2,800 individuals in Gallup. > > Sarah Piano, Managing Regional Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters > Mountain Region, asserted, ?When Comcast operates in your community, you > can count on them to provide support to local nonprofits and community > organizations. Comcast is a long-standing partner and an amazing > supporter of our critical mentoring work in Gallup and across New > Mexico. Their Internet Essentials program is extremely affordable and > helped us connect dozens of our families to an at-home Internet > connection, which was critical this past year more than ever. Comcast > genuinely cares about the communities they work in and continually > strives to make things better for the families within those communities. > We are so grateful for their partnership.? > > > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > --------------------------------------------------------------- > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 4 > Date: Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:07:23 -0600 > From: Richard Lowenberg > To: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> > Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Vexus Fiber readies FTTP plus 10G for > Albuquerque > Message-ID: <0114b6cb6971ea70e4960e39bd20346d at 1st-mile.org> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed > > Vexus Fiber readies FTTP plus 10G for Albuquerque > > Nov. 1, 2021 > > https://www.broadbandtechreport.com/fiber/article/14213181/vexus-fiber-readies-fttp-plus-10g-for-albuquerque > > Company plans $250 million investment for its latest 100% fiber > broadband project. > > Vexus Fiber announced on Oct. 28 that it will be bringing its 100% > fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network to the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico. > The company said it will invest $250 million in the infrastructure of > the network and create 200 jobs in the construction phase over the next > three years. > > Vexus added that it will be building a 10 gigabit network, "so that as > devices get faster in the future, customers will have an internet option > that can keep up." Broadband packages with symmetrical upload and > download speeds up to one gigabit will be initially available to > customers. The network will be available for both homes and businesses > and will be 100% fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP), "meaning fewer > connectivity issues for customers," added a Vexus statement. > > Vexus Fiber said it plans to begin engineering for the project > immediately and start construction early next year. Completion of the > network is expected by 2024, but the network will be activated in > stages, so that some areas of the city will see service available > beginning in 2022. > > Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller commented, ?In the past year, it has become > clear that internet is not just a quality-of-life issue, but a fast, > reliable connection for every family and business is necessary for > learning and working too. High-speed fiber represents a major investment > in our infrastructure, creating hundreds of jobs for Albuquerque and > providing us with another key asset as we recruit more companies to our > city. This investment in a ubiquitous fiber network is also necessary to > make sure that no one is left behind in the quest for universal > affordable access to high-speed broadband services (that is, to ?bridge > the digital divide?). We welcome Vexus along with other fiber developers > who are interested in investing in ABQ and appreciate their confidence > in this great City.? > > In addition to the 200 construction jobs the project will create, the > company plans to create 150 permanent jobs with the opening of a local > office and storefront. > > ?We are excited to announce the expansion of fiber high-speed broadband > into Albuquerque,? said Jim Gleason, CEO of Vexus Fiber. ?We are > thrilled to become a part of the City of Albuquerque and see the area as > a terrific place for business. This network of the future will help > foster additional growth and economic development for the area.? > > Vexus has committed to building its fiber network throughout the entire > city and says it will provide service to all corners of Albuquerque. To > date, the company notes has installed successful high-speed fiber > networks in over 35 cities in Texas and Louisiana. > > ?This is a real win for the residents of our city,? said Dan Serrano, > CEO of the city's Westside Chamber of Commerce. ?Vexus is bringing > construction and permanent jobs with its expansion to Albuquerque as > well as faster connectivity for residents.? > > Vexus notes "the cost of the new service will be comparable to the other > services provided in the city today, but with better performance." The > first phase of the network could be available to Albuquerque residents > by summer 2022, according to company representatives. > > Learn more at www.connect.vexusfiber.com > > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > --------------------------------------------------------------- > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 5 > Date: Mon, 08 Nov 2021 12:42:38 -0700 > From: Richard Lowenberg > To: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> > Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Federal Broadband Funding: Overviews > Message-ID: <751ebe36257b955814b81a8861608f57 at 1st-mile.org> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed > > Here are two postings that provide excellent information on the just > Congressionally passed Federal Broadband Funding Programs. > > From the Benton Institute: > https://www.benton.org/blog/largest-us-investment-broadband-deployment-ever > > CCG?s POTs and PANs blog: > > https://potsandpansbyccg.com/2021/11/08/the-broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-program/ > > RL > > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > --------------------------------------------------------------- > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 6 > Date: Mon, 8 Nov 2021 16:01:31 -0700 > From: Owen Densmore > To: Richard Lowenberg > Cc: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> > Subject: Re: [1st-mile-nm] Federal Broadband Funding: Overviews > Message-ID: > < > CAN_LYRkzH0TytjCOeV=gV+x8sknAsppNEnReFP8QtxxJ3NnGHA at mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > Interesting! How will this impact NM? Hopefully we'll finally have > affordable, high speed, multiple provider internet for everyone. > > -- Owen > > On Mon, Nov 8, 2021 at 12:42 PM Richard Lowenberg wrote: > > > Here are two postings that provide excellent information on the just > Congressionally passed Federal Broadband Funding Programs. > > From the Benton Institute: > https://www.benton.org/blog/largest-us-investment-broadband-deployment-ever > > CCG?s POTs and PANs blog: > > > https://potsandpansbyccg.com/2021/11/08/the-broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-program/ > > RL > > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > --------------------------------------------------------------- > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: < > http://mailman.dcn.org/pipermail/1st-mile-nm/attachments/20211108/898cb421/attachment-0001.html > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 7 > Date: Mon, 15 Nov 2021 17:47:39 -0700 > From: Richard Lowenberg > To: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> > Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Fwd: NM DOIT/CTC WEBINAR INVITE: Overview - > USDA Reconnect Loan and Grant Program > Message-ID: <1acaa205a1ea1ccd294e3583f396b45f at 1st-mile.org> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; Format="flowed" > > -------- Original Message -------- > Subject: NM DOIT/CTC WEBINAR INVITE: Overview - USDA Reconnect Loan and > Grant Program > Date: 2021-11-15 17:28 > From: "Clarke, George, DoIT" > Cc: "Tilton, Rand, DoIT" , "Karen White > (kwhite at ctcnet.us)" > > ReConnect Loan and Grant Program Workshop > > The _New Mexico Department of Information Technology_ (NM DoIT) has > partnered with _CTC Technology & Energy_ to host a workshop on the > USDA's Broadband ReConnect program. > > This informational workshop will provide detail regarding opportunities > associated with the USDA ReConnect Program. This program furnishes loans > and grants to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, > and/or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide > broadband service to eligible rural areas. > > The USDA's Broadband ReConnect Program new rules dramatically expand > eligibility and effectively redefine broadband. Entities that can apply > for ReConnect assistance include corporations, limited liability > companies/partnerships, cooperative or mutual organizations, > states/local governments including > agency/subdivision/instrumentality/political subdivision, and Tribal (as > defined in Section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education > Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b)). > > Please join us as we review the program's new rules, provide guidance on > how to take advantage of this funding opportunity, and share tips on how > to position your application. > > The ReConnect Loan and Grant Program Workshop will be held on Wednesday, > November 17 from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. MDT. In this workshop, there > will be time to provide answers and strategic direction to participants. > > > Register in advance for this meeting: > > https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJElcOyuqzsvHtIJvHxkULVAbtPhK8zyAE7t > > After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing > information about joining the meeting. > > Thank you, > > DoIT New Mexico Broadband Program and CTC Technology and Energy > > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > --------------------------------------------------------------- > -------------- next part -------------- > A non-text attachment was scrubbed... > Name: DoIT_CTC_ReConnect Loan and Grant Program_invitation.pdf > Type: application/pdf > Size: 115779 bytes > Desc: not available > URL: < > http://mailman.dcn.org/pipermail/1st-mile-nm/attachments/20211115/8ab56b21/attachment.pdf > > > > ------------------------------ > > Subject: Digest Footer > > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > > > ------------------------------ > > End of 1st-mile-nm Digest, Vol 181, Issue 1 > ******************************************* > > > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From mharris at visgence.com Wed Dec 29 11:28:15 2021 From: mharris at visgence.com (Michael Harris) Date: Wed, 29 Dec 2021 12:28:15 -0700 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] URGENT: Satellite Internet v. Cable/Fiber Internet: costs and benefits? In-Reply-To: References: <659CBFC1-7165-4295-81AA-7DC50EF6C0C6@atelier-tomorrow.com> Message-ID: > > 1. In your experience, what are comparable numbers for satellite internet > vs conventional cable and/or fiber to the home in a rural setting with > about 450 households concentrated on one mile of highway (that is supposed > one day to be wired with fiber per state dictates) and another 100 on the > perimeter. I have reservations about the scalability of StarLink. It is very early and not widely available. The tech is very cool, but I am also pretty sure that throwing thousands of satellites into orbit is a massively inefficient way to solve the problem of residential broadband - in terms of dollars, CO2 emissions, engineering expertise, and orbital real-estate. (that is supposed one day to be wired with fiber per state dictates) and > another 100 on the perimeter. If you run a pair of singlemode you can deliver 1Gbps to 100Gbps whenever you want. Technology moves fast, and optics and switches are truly cheap. I run a lot of wireless and my advice is always to string fiber if you can, there is just no way to match the bandwidth with any other tech. The materials cost nothing ($2/ft, 10G optics can be had for $40, etc....). I'm just working in orders-of-magnitude here, but you could start a tiny ISP co-op and give everyone in that neighborhood 1Gbps FTTH for like $50/month... *if you can get the cable in the ground* % of total cost Houses 550 Unit cost Cable, ft (5 miles, rough estimate) 25000 2 50000 Capex, 20yr life 1 50000 50000 1.75% 1Gbps Optics 1100 20 22000 Ports per switch 48 Switches 11 10000 110000 Core Router 1 100000 100000 Servers for misc purposes 3 10000 30000 Capex 5 year life 2 262000 524000 18.36% Techs 2 50000 100000 Admin 1 80000 80000 10Gbps DIA 12 4000 48000 Opex, 1 year 10 228000 2280000 79.89% Years 10 Total cost 2854000 Months 120 Monthly cost 23783.33333 Per house $43.24 The frustration with FTTH is that it is hard to dig, legally speaking. The technical challenges have been solved for years, and only get cheaper as time goes on. Negotiating ROW, though, is so arcane and time consuming that the state is willing to throw millions at *blimps *rather than figure out how to put some cable in the ground... -Michael On Wed, Dec 29, 2021 at 7:52 AM Gillian Densmore wrote: > that's great richard. > When are we going to se some, ya know action? Fact is the QOL for > cellular and internet in NM is bairly about 1990. many people in NM don't > even qualify for the GD bairmin of the FCC's just stupid 25megs? what drugs > is the industry on, and in what reality is that even remotely close to ok? > 2020 should have proven that with comcast having a fucking monoply, some > actual, real, action the bitching about memos, and pole rights. Their's a > god damn loop of plastic for getting fiber close to the curb, and what's > been done with it? who knows? > In that time Musk has put tin-cans in orbit with better fucking QA then > the god damn industry litterally on the ground has. It's not cute, or ok, > or cool to for a bunch of PHDs and smart motherfuckers for > telecomunications to go oh hey heres ordance 99 title 5g subsection 501c3 > that says its ok to start digging and we'll get 30megs to someareas around > 2090. > Ya'all have a bunch of doctrates, and know an amazing amount about how the > fucking internet works. So where's the fucking action? we--just bairly now > get kinda-sort-of-ok QA and QOS because tmobile has a fucking publicity > nightmare. and now is getting people onto their 5g network and fucking DSL > speeds? RLY?! > Wake me up when we hit the year 2k for speed, quality and latency. > > On Tue, Dec 28, 2021 at 10:26 AM John Badal > wrote: > >> SPAM >> >> >> >> *From:* 1st-mile-nm <1st-mile-nm-bounces at mailman.dcn.org> *On Behalf Of *Robert >> Jacobson >> *Sent:* Tuesday, December 28, 2021 9:46 AM >> *To:* 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org >> *Subject:* [1st-mile-nm] URGENT: Satellite Internet v. Cable/Fiber >> Internet: costs and benefits? >> >> >> >> Dear 1st Mile Friends, >> >> >> >> I?m preparing an application for a state broadband grant >> and need your input to knowledgeably ask for funding for what purposes. >> Here?s why... >> >> >> >> Our household experience with SpaceX's StarLink >> broadband service has been great (250-300Mbps down, 25Mbps up), no weather >> interference, etc. The modem supplied with the two-foot self-aiming >> antenna is powerful enough that my neighbor?s visitors 20 yards away can >> camp on it. (We?re friends.) >> >> >> >> Every device in our home, now connected to the StarLink >> modem, is running at max speed. Total cost so far has been ~$495 for the >> gear, one hour for easy installation (my own labor), and ~$90 per month for >> access to the satellites. (We haven?t gotten our first monthly invoice.) >> >> >> >> We do pay extra for some online fare, but not to >> SpaceX. It goes directly to Apple, Showtime, Netflix, various Patreon >> podcasts, etc. >> >> >> >> Providers of ?conventional" broadband modalities ? cable >> and fiber ?must string cable/fiber overhead and/or bury it in conduits and >> trenches; and must build local networks to distribute data to offices and >> households. Providers may require their homeowner, office, ranch, etc. >> customers to own additional gear. >> >> >> >> Also, they may have fees to pay for channels they resell >> to customers, links from fiber to cable, their own tower or satellite >> expenses, etc. They pass along most of these expenses to their >> local-government and household/office subscribers. >> >> >> >> Each modality must provide quality service to its >> customers and generate earnings for its owners. >> >> >> >> My questions to my 1st-Mile colleagues: >> >> >> >> 1. In your experience, what are comparable numbers for >> satellite internet vs conventional cable and/or fiber to the home in a >> rural setting with about 450 households concentrated on one mile of highway >> (that is supposed one day to be wired with fiber per state dictates) and >> another 100 on the perimeter. >> >> >> >> If you were writing a grant for this purpose, on which >> modality would you rely? Special conditions? >> >> >> >> Thanks for your rapid reply. We have to file our >> application January 31st, latest! >> >> >> >> Bob Jacobson >> >> Atelier Tomorrow Inc. >> >> A Nonprofit Consultancy >> >> Patagonia, AZ 85624 >> >> (520) 370-1259 >> >> LinkedIn: >> >> https://linkedin.com/in/bobjacobson >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> On 15Nov2021, at 5:47 PM, 1st-mile-nm-request at mailman.dcn.org wrote: >> >> >> >> Send 1st-mile-nm mailing list submissions to >> 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org >> >> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit >> http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm >> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to >> 1st-mile-nm-request at mailman.dcn.org >> >> You can reach the person managing the list at >> 1st-mile-nm-owner at mailman.dcn.org >> >> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific >> than "Re: Contents of 1st-mile-nm digest..." >> >> >> Today's Topics: >> >> 1. FCC Telehealth Funding in NM (Richard Lowenberg) >> 2. USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants: NM >> (Richard Lowenberg) >> 3. Comcast brings 1.2 Gbps fiber internet to Gallup, NM >> (Richard Lowenberg) >> 4. Vexus Fiber readies FTTP plus 10G for Albuquerque >> (Richard Lowenberg) >> 5. Federal Broadband Funding: Overviews (Richard Lowenberg) >> 6. Re: Federal Broadband Funding: Overviews (Owen Densmore) >> 7. Fwd: NM DOIT/CTC WEBINAR INVITE: Overview - USDA Reconnect >> Loan and Grant Program (Richard Lowenberg) >> >> >> ---------------------------------------------------------------------- >> >> Message: 1 >> Date: Fri, 22 Oct 2021 14:32:38 -0600 >> From: Richard Lowenberg >> To: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> >> Subject: [1st-mile-nm] FCC Telehealth Funding in NM >> Message-ID: <7683940b09984d38cfde46fd96c33ede at 1st-mile.org> >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed >> >> FCC ANNOUNCES AN ADDITIONAL $40.46 MILLION AWARDED >> AS PART OF COVID-19 TELEHEALTH PROGRAM >> >> WASHINGTON, October 21, 2021?The Federal Communications Commission today >> approved an additional 71 applications for funding commitments totaling >> $40,468,845 for >> Round 2 of its COVID-19 Telehealth Program. This is the FCC?s third >> funding announcement >> of approved Round 2 applications bringing the total to approximately >> $123.6 million awarded to health care providers in each state, >> territory, and the District of Columbia. >> >> https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-announces-third-set-awards-covid-19-telehealth-round-2-0 >> >> Funded in NM: >> >> First Nations Community HealthSource in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a >> Federally >> Qualified Health Center that serves Tribal and Hispanic communities, was >> awarded >> $655,395 for laptops and connected devices that support remote patient >> monitoring, >> which will help ensure proper treatment of patients in their homes >> without requiring inperson visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. >> >> >> >> --------------------------------------------------------------- >> Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director >> 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 >> Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, >> rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org >> --------------------------------------------------------------- >> >> >> ------------------------------ >> >> Message: 2 >> Date: Mon, 25 Oct 2021 12:47:49 -0600 >> From: Richard Lowenberg >> To: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> >> Subject: [1st-mile-nm] USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants: >> NM >> Message-ID: <54ab3bfc9d81ba0fb16599b78a5364bc at 1st-mile.org> >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed >> >> The USDA has announced its latest Distance Learning and >> Telemedicine Grants, with one award in NM. >> >> Ben Archer Health Center, Inc. $90,372 >> >> This Rural Development investment will be used to assist the >> Health Education and Access to Learning (HEAL) Project. >> The HEAL Project will deliver distance learning to rural and >> exceptionally rural individuals in Northern Dona Ana, Sierra, >> Otero and Luna Counties, New Mexico. The HEAL Project will >> affect an estimate 97,000 people directly or indirectly in >> southern New Mexico. >> >> >> https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2021/10/22/usda-make-115-billion-available-help-people-living-rural >> >> >> >> --------------------------------------------------------------- >> Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director >> 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 >> Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, >> rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org >> --------------------------------------------------------------- >> >> >> ------------------------------ >> >> Message: 3 >> Date: Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:03:14 -0600 >> From: Richard Lowenberg >> To: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> >> Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Comcast brings 1.2 Gbps fiber internet to >> Gallup, NM >> Message-ID: >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed >> >> Comcast brings 1.2 Gbps fiber internet to Gallup, NM >> >> Oct. 28, 2021 >> >> >> https://www.broadbandtechreport.com/fiber/article/14213037/comcast-brings-12gbps-fiber-internet-to-gallup-nm >> >> Currently, more than 9,000 homes and businesses have access to Comcast?s >> network in Gallup, New Mexico. >> >> In New Mexico, Comcast this month announced the company has introduced >> additional Internet speed tiers for homes and small businesses in the >> Gallup area, with internet speeds up to 1.2 Gbps now available to new >> and existing customers. >> >> Currently, more than 9,000 homes and businesses have access to Comcast?s >> network in Gallup. Consumers have access to all of the company's Xfinity >> Internet packages including 50 Mbps, 100 Mbps, 300 Mbps, 600 Mbps, 900 >> Mbps, and 1.2 Gig speed tiers. From supporting four connected devices at >> a time, to speeds designed for heavy streamers, Gallup residents have a >> variety of Comcast options to keep them connected. >> >> Bill Lee, CEO, Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce, commented, >> ?Fast and reliable broadband is a key component of a vibrant economy. As >> Gallup businesses continue to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, >> it is good to see Comcast?s investment in our community to help ensure >> that new and existing businesses will have the bandwidth needed to >> succeed in the digital economy. With Internet speeds ranging from 50 >> Mbps to 1.2 Gigabits, Gallup can continue to recruit more industry >> sectors into our community, and help existing businesses grow.? >> >> Additionally, Comcast announced it will continue to offer its low-cost, >> high-speed Internet program, Internet Essentials, to help provide more >> low-income households in Gallup with the tools and resources they need >> to succeed in an increasingly digital world. The program provides 50 >> Mbps at-home internet access to low-income households for $9.95 per >> month. Households that qualify for programs like the National School >> Lunch Program, housing assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, and others may >> qualify for Internet Essentials. >> >> Since the program launched in 2011, Comcast says it has connected >> 296,000 low-income New Mexicans to the power of the Internet at home, >> including 2,800 individuals in Gallup. >> >> Sarah Piano, Managing Regional Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters >> Mountain Region, asserted, ?When Comcast operates in your community, you >> can count on them to provide support to local nonprofits and community >> organizations. Comcast is a long-standing partner and an amazing >> supporter of our critical mentoring work in Gallup and across New >> Mexico. Their Internet Essentials program is extremely affordable and >> helped us connect dozens of our families to an at-home Internet >> connection, which was critical this past year more than ever. Comcast >> genuinely cares about the communities they work in and continually >> strives to make things better for the families within those communities. >> We are so grateful for their partnership.? >> >> >> >> --------------------------------------------------------------- >> Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director >> 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 >> Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, >> rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org >> --------------------------------------------------------------- >> >> >> ------------------------------ >> >> Message: 4 >> Date: Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:07:23 -0600 >> From: Richard Lowenberg >> To: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> >> Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Vexus Fiber readies FTTP plus 10G for >> Albuquerque >> Message-ID: <0114b6cb6971ea70e4960e39bd20346d at 1st-mile.org> >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed >> >> Vexus Fiber readies FTTP plus 10G for Albuquerque >> >> Nov. 1, 2021 >> >> https://www.broadbandtechreport.com/fiber/article/14213181/vexus-fiber-readies-fttp-plus-10g-for-albuquerque >> >> Company plans $250 million investment for its latest 100% fiber >> broadband project. >> >> Vexus Fiber announced on Oct. 28 that it will be bringing its 100% >> fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network to the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico. >> The company said it will invest $250 million in the infrastructure of >> the network and create 200 jobs in the construction phase over the next >> three years. >> >> Vexus added that it will be building a 10 gigabit network, "so that as >> devices get faster in the future, customers will have an internet option >> that can keep up." Broadband packages with symmetrical upload and >> download speeds up to one gigabit will be initially available to >> customers. The network will be available for both homes and businesses >> and will be 100% fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP), "meaning fewer >> connectivity issues for customers," added a Vexus statement. >> >> Vexus Fiber said it plans to begin engineering for the project >> immediately and start construction early next year. Completion of the >> network is expected by 2024, but the network will be activated in >> stages, so that some areas of the city will see service available >> beginning in 2022. >> >> Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller commented, ?In the past year, it has become >> clear that internet is not just a quality-of-life issue, but a fast, >> reliable connection for every family and business is necessary for >> learning and working too. High-speed fiber represents a major investment >> in our infrastructure, creating hundreds of jobs for Albuquerque and >> providing us with another key asset as we recruit more companies to our >> city. This investment in a ubiquitous fiber network is also necessary to >> make sure that no one is left behind in the quest for universal >> affordable access to high-speed broadband services (that is, to ?bridge >> the digital divide?). We welcome Vexus along with other fiber developers >> who are interested in investing in ABQ and appreciate their confidence >> in this great City.? >> >> In addition to the 200 construction jobs the project will create, the >> company plans to create 150 permanent jobs with the opening of a local >> office and storefront. >> >> ?We are excited to announce the expansion of fiber high-speed broadband >> into Albuquerque,? said Jim Gleason, CEO of Vexus Fiber. ?We are >> thrilled to become a part of the City of Albuquerque and see the area as >> a terrific place for business. This network of the future will help >> foster additional growth and economic development for the area.? >> >> Vexus has committed to building its fiber network throughout the entire >> city and says it will provide service to all corners of Albuquerque. To >> date, the company notes has installed successful high-speed fiber >> networks in over 35 cities in Texas and Louisiana. >> >> ?This is a real win for the residents of our city,? said Dan Serrano, >> CEO of the city's Westside Chamber of Commerce. ?Vexus is bringing >> construction and permanent jobs with its expansion to Albuquerque as >> well as faster connectivity for residents.? >> >> Vexus notes "the cost of the new service will be comparable to the other >> services provided in the city today, but with better performance." The >> first phase of the network could be available to Albuquerque residents >> by summer 2022, according to company representatives. >> >> Learn more at www.connect.vexusfiber.com >> >> >> --------------------------------------------------------------- >> Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director >> 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 >> Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, >> rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org >> --------------------------------------------------------------- >> >> >> ------------------------------ >> >> Message: 5 >> Date: Mon, 08 Nov 2021 12:42:38 -0700 >> From: Richard Lowenberg >> To: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> >> Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Federal Broadband Funding: Overviews >> Message-ID: <751ebe36257b955814b81a8861608f57 at 1st-mile.org> >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed >> >> Here are two postings that provide excellent information on the just >> Congressionally passed Federal Broadband Funding Programs. >> >> From the Benton Institute: >> >> https://www.benton.org/blog/largest-us-investment-broadband-deployment-ever >> >> CCG?s POTs and PANs blog: >> >> https://potsandpansbyccg.com/2021/11/08/the-broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-program/ >> >> RL >> >> >> --------------------------------------------------------------- >> Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director >> 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 >> Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, >> rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org >> --------------------------------------------------------------- >> >> >> ------------------------------ >> >> Message: 6 >> Date: Mon, 8 Nov 2021 16:01:31 -0700 >> From: Owen Densmore >> To: Richard Lowenberg >> Cc: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> >> Subject: Re: [1st-mile-nm] Federal Broadband Funding: Overviews >> Message-ID: >> < >> CAN_LYRkzH0TytjCOeV=gV+x8sknAsppNEnReFP8QtxxJ3NnGHA at mail.gmail.com> >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" >> >> Interesting! How will this impact NM? Hopefully we'll finally have >> affordable, high speed, multiple provider internet for everyone. >> >> -- Owen >> >> On Mon, Nov 8, 2021 at 12:42 PM Richard Lowenberg >> wrote: >> >> >> Here are two postings that provide excellent information on the just >> Congressionally passed Federal Broadband Funding Programs. >> >> From the Benton Institute: >> >> https://www.benton.org/blog/largest-us-investment-broadband-deployment-ever >> >> CCG?s POTs and PANs blog: >> >> >> https://potsandpansbyccg.com/2021/11/08/the-broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-program/ >> >> RL >> >> >> --------------------------------------------------------------- >> Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director >> 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 >> Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, >> rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org >> --------------------------------------------------------------- >> _______________________________________________ >> 1st-mile-nm mailing list >> 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org >> http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm >> >> -------------- next part -------------- >> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >> URL: < >> http://mailman.dcn.org/pipermail/1st-mile-nm/attachments/20211108/898cb421/attachment-0001.html >> > >> >> ------------------------------ >> >> Message: 7 >> Date: Mon, 15 Nov 2021 17:47:39 -0700 >> From: Richard Lowenberg >> To: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> >> Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Fwd: NM DOIT/CTC WEBINAR INVITE: Overview - >> USDA Reconnect Loan and Grant Program >> Message-ID: <1acaa205a1ea1ccd294e3583f396b45f at 1st-mile.org> >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; Format="flowed" >> >> -------- Original Message -------- >> Subject: NM DOIT/CTC WEBINAR INVITE: Overview - USDA Reconnect Loan and >> Grant Program >> Date: 2021-11-15 17:28 >> From: "Clarke, George, DoIT" >> Cc: "Tilton, Rand, DoIT" , "Karen White >> (kwhite at ctcnet.us)" >> >> ReConnect Loan and Grant Program Workshop >> >> The _New Mexico Department of Information Technology_ (NM DoIT) has >> partnered with _CTC Technology & Energy_ to host a workshop on the >> USDA's Broadband ReConnect program. >> >> This informational workshop will provide detail regarding opportunities >> associated with the USDA ReConnect Program. This program furnishes loans >> and grants to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, >> and/or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide >> broadband service to eligible rural areas. >> >> The USDA's Broadband ReConnect Program new rules dramatically expand >> eligibility and effectively redefine broadband. Entities that can apply >> for ReConnect assistance include corporations, limited liability >> companies/partnerships, cooperative or mutual organizations, >> states/local governments including >> agency/subdivision/instrumentality/political subdivision, and Tribal (as >> defined in Section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education >> Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b)). >> >> Please join us as we review the program's new rules, provide guidance on >> how to take advantage of this funding opportunity, and share tips on how >> to position your application. >> >> The ReConnect Loan and Grant Program Workshop will be held on Wednesday, >> November 17 from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. MDT. In this workshop, there >> will be time to provide answers and strategic direction to participants. >> >> >> Register in advance for this meeting: >> >> https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJElcOyuqzsvHtIJvHxkULVAbtPhK8zyAE7t >> >> After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing >> information about joining the meeting. >> >> Thank you, >> >> DoIT New Mexico Broadband Program and CTC Technology and Energy >> >> >> --------------------------------------------------------------- >> Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director >> 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 >> Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, >> rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org >> --------------------------------------------------------------- >> -------------- next part -------------- >> A non-text attachment was scrubbed... >> Name: DoIT_CTC_ReConnect Loan and Grant Program_invitation.pdf >> Type: application/pdf >> Size: 115779 bytes >> Desc: not available >> URL: < >> http://mailman.dcn.org/pipermail/1st-mile-nm/attachments/20211115/8ab56b21/attachment.pdf >> > >> >> ------------------------------ >> >> Subject: Digest Footer >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 1st-mile-nm mailing list >> 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org >> http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm >> >> >> ------------------------------ >> >> End of 1st-mile-nm Digest, Vol 181, Issue 1 >> ******************************************* >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 1st-mile-nm mailing list >> 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org >> http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm >> > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > -- Michael Harris -- President, Visgence Inc. www.visgence.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From drtlesterthomas at gmail.com Wed Dec 29 12:20:40 2021 From: drtlesterthomas at gmail.com (Timothy L. Thomas) Date: Wed, 29 Dec 2021 13:20:40 -0700 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] 1st-mile-nm Digest, Vol 182, Issue 5 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hi. I don't follow these topics deeply enough, so I'm not sure if this is "easy"... but a really interesting/useful metric set for me would be two 1-D histograms: (1) Upload and download speeds *currently "online"* in American households (and normalized to the number of said households - so the zero bin would be significant; and then, quite importantly... (2) Same as above, but instead of "online", this histogram would summarize *desired* (related or equal to economic "demanded") speeds. One could then begin considering the magnitudes of various solution costs in relation to these data. I know all this is very simplistic(*), but this is where I myself would begin, if I were tasked with thinking more deeply about these issues. (*) These simple projections would average over many different circumstances and would completely ignore correlations... including geographic considerations and various use cases: pure home cinema buffs; rural versus urban schools; small to medium businesses in, near, and outside of cities; government use; etc. But ideally one would be able to drill into interesting features of these summary data if they were backed by or derived from a more comprehensive (and easy to understand and work with) data set. Sincerely, -TLT On Wed, Dec 29, 2021 at 12:28 PM <1st-mile-nm-request at mailman.dcn.org> wrote: > Send 1st-mile-nm mailing list submissions to > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > 1st-mile-nm-request at mailman.dcn.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > 1st-mile-nm-owner at mailman.dcn.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of 1st-mile-nm digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: URGENT: Satellite Internet v. Cable/Fiber Internet: costs > and benefits? (Michael Harris) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Wed, 29 Dec 2021 12:28:15 -0700 > From: Michael Harris > To: "1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org" <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> > Cc: robert.jacobson at atelier-tomorrow.com > Subject: Re: [1st-mile-nm] URGENT: Satellite Internet v. Cable/Fiber > Internet: costs and benefits? > Message-ID: > < > CABhxMwamHL-ik6WF+4uqiroAcb2uVLok4Q9wQvUKsfT99iSi0g at mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > > > > 1. In your experience, what are comparable numbers for satellite internet > > vs conventional cable and/or fiber to the home in a rural setting with > > about 450 households concentrated on one mile of highway (that is > supposed > > one day to be wired with fiber per state dictates) and another 100 on the > > perimeter. > > > I have reservations about the scalability of StarLink. It is very early and > not widely available. The tech is very cool, but I am also pretty sure that > throwing thousands of satellites into orbit is a massively inefficient way > to solve the problem of residential broadband - in terms of dollars, CO2 > emissions, engineering expertise, and orbital real-estate. > > (that is supposed one day to be wired with fiber per state dictates) and > > another 100 on the perimeter. > > > If you run a pair of singlemode you can deliver 1Gbps to 100Gbps whenever > you want. Technology moves fast, and optics and switches are truly cheap. I > run a lot of wireless and my advice is always to string fiber if you can, > there is just no way to match the bandwidth with any other tech. The > materials cost nothing ($2/ft, 10G optics can be had for $40, etc....). I'm > just working in orders-of-magnitude here, but you could start a tiny ISP > co-op and give everyone in that neighborhood 1Gbps FTTH for like > $50/month... *if you can get the cable in the ground* > > % of total cost > Houses 550 Unit cost > Cable, ft (5 miles, rough estimate) 25000 2 50000 > Capex, 20yr life 1 50000 50000 1.75% > 1Gbps Optics 1100 20 22000 > Ports per switch 48 > Switches 11 10000 110000 > Core Router 1 100000 100000 > Servers for misc purposes 3 10000 30000 > Capex 5 year life 2 262000 524000 18.36% > Techs 2 50000 100000 > Admin 1 80000 80000 > 10Gbps DIA 12 4000 48000 > Opex, 1 year 10 228000 2280000 79.89% > Years 10 > Total cost 2854000 > Months 120 > Monthly cost 23783.33333 > Per house $43.24 > The frustration with FTTH is that it is hard to dig, legally speaking. The > technical challenges have been solved for years, and only get cheaper as > time goes on. Negotiating ROW, though, is so arcane and time consuming that > the state is willing to throw millions at *blimps *rather than figure out > how to put some cable in the ground... > > -Michael > > On Wed, Dec 29, 2021 at 7:52 AM Gillian Densmore > wrote: > > > that's great richard. > > When are we going to se some, ya know action? Fact is the QOL for > > cellular and internet in NM is bairly about 1990. many people in NM don't > > even qualify for the GD bairmin of the FCC's just stupid 25megs? what > drugs > > is the industry on, and in what reality is that even remotely close to > ok? > > 2020 should have proven that with comcast having a fucking monoply, some > > actual, real, action the bitching about memos, and pole rights. Their's a > > god damn loop of plastic for getting fiber close to the curb, and what's > > been done with it? who knows? > > In that time Musk has put tin-cans in orbit with better fucking QA then > > the god damn industry litterally on the ground has. It's not cute, or ok, > > or cool to for a bunch of PHDs and smart motherfuckers for > > telecomunications to go oh hey heres ordance 99 title 5g subsection > 501c3 > > that says its ok to start digging and we'll get 30megs to someareas > around > > 2090. > > Ya'all have a bunch of doctrates, and know an amazing amount about how > the > > fucking internet works. So where's the fucking action? we--just bairly > now > > get kinda-sort-of-ok QA and QOS because tmobile has a fucking publicity > > nightmare. and now is getting people onto their 5g network and fucking > DSL > > speeds? RLY?! > > Wake me up when we hit the year 2k for speed, quality and latency. > > > > On Tue, Dec 28, 2021 at 10:26 AM John Badal > > wrote: > > > >> SPAM > >> > >> > >> > >> *From:* 1st-mile-nm <1st-mile-nm-bounces at mailman.dcn.org> *On Behalf > Of *Robert > >> Jacobson > >> *Sent:* Tuesday, December 28, 2021 9:46 AM > >> *To:* 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > >> *Subject:* [1st-mile-nm] URGENT: Satellite Internet v. Cable/Fiber > >> Internet: costs and benefits? > >> > >> > >> > >> Dear 1st Mile Friends, > >> > >> > >> > >> I?m preparing an application for a state broadband grant > >> and need your input to knowledgeably ask for funding for what purposes. > >> Here?s why... > >> > >> > >> > >> Our household experience with SpaceX's StarLink > >> broadband service has been great (250-300Mbps down, 25Mbps up), no > weather > >> interference, etc. The modem supplied with the two-foot self-aiming > >> antenna is powerful enough that my neighbor?s visitors 20 yards away can > >> camp on it. (We?re friends.) > >> > >> > >> > >> Every device in our home, now connected to the StarLink > >> modem, is running at max speed. Total cost so far has been ~$495 for the > >> gear, one hour for easy installation (my own labor), and ~$90 per month > for > >> access to the satellites. (We haven?t gotten our first monthly > invoice.) > >> > >> > >> > >> We do pay extra for some online fare, but not to > >> SpaceX. It goes directly to Apple, Showtime, Netflix, various Patreon > >> podcasts, etc. > >> > >> > >> > >> Providers of ?conventional" broadband modalities ? cable > >> and fiber ?must string cable/fiber overhead and/or bury it in conduits > and > >> trenches; and must build local networks to distribute data to offices > and > >> households. Providers may require their homeowner, office, ranch, etc. > >> customers to own additional gear. > >> > >> > >> > >> Also, they may have fees to pay for channels they resell > >> to customers, links from fiber to cable, their own tower or satellite > >> expenses, etc. They pass along most of these expenses to their > >> local-government and household/office subscribers. > >> > >> > >> > >> Each modality must provide quality service to its > >> customers and generate earnings for its owners. > >> > >> > >> > >> My questions to my 1st-Mile colleagues: > >> > >> > >> > >> 1. In your experience, what are comparable numbers for > >> satellite internet vs conventional cable and/or fiber to the home in a > >> rural setting with about 450 households concentrated on one mile of > highway > >> (that is supposed one day to be wired with fiber per state dictates) and > >> another 100 on the perimeter. > >> > >> > >> > >> If you were writing a grant for this purpose, on which > >> modality would you rely? Special conditions? > >> > >> > >> > >> Thanks for your rapid reply. We have to file our > >> application January 31st, latest! > >> > >> > >> > >> Bob Jacobson > >> > >> Atelier Tomorrow Inc. > >> > >> A Nonprofit Consultancy > >> > >> Patagonia, AZ 85624 > >> > >> (520) 370-1259 > >> > >> LinkedIn: > >> > >> https://linkedin.com/in/bobjacobson > >> < > https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flinkedin.com%2Fin%2Fbobjacobson&data=04%7C01%7Cjbadal%40sacredwindnm.com%7C842f437104264359a4dd08d9ca21b358%7C1458a946b06346cbbe2752dbe35fba15%7C0%7C0%7C637763068393529934%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C2000&sdata=kBsmPlybQV0zdJrDGPRzmS3Wzx8fuHg1ywhSlhT4a3g%3D&reserved=0 > > > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> On 15Nov2021, at 5:47 PM, 1st-mile-nm-request at mailman.dcn.org wrote: > >> > >> > >> > >> Send 1st-mile-nm mailing list submissions to > >> 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > >> > >> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > >> http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > >> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > >> 1st-mile-nm-request at mailman.dcn.org > >> > >> You can reach the person managing the list at > >> 1st-mile-nm-owner at mailman.dcn.org > >> > >> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > >> than "Re: Contents of 1st-mile-nm digest..." > >> > >> > >> Today's Topics: > >> > >> 1. FCC Telehealth Funding in NM (Richard Lowenberg) > >> 2. USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants: NM > >> (Richard Lowenberg) > >> 3. Comcast brings 1.2 Gbps fiber internet to Gallup, NM > >> (Richard Lowenberg) > >> 4. Vexus Fiber readies FTTP plus 10G for Albuquerque > >> (Richard Lowenberg) > >> 5. Federal Broadband Funding: Overviews (Richard Lowenberg) > >> 6. Re: Federal Broadband Funding: Overviews (Owen Densmore) > >> 7. Fwd: NM DOIT/CTC WEBINAR INVITE: Overview - USDA Reconnect > >> Loan and Grant Program (Richard Lowenberg) > >> > >> > >> ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > >> > >> Message: 1 > >> Date: Fri, 22 Oct 2021 14:32:38 -0600 > >> From: Richard Lowenberg > >> To: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> > >> Subject: [1st-mile-nm] FCC Telehealth Funding in NM > >> Message-ID: <7683940b09984d38cfde46fd96c33ede at 1st-mile.org> > >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed > >> > >> FCC ANNOUNCES AN ADDITIONAL $40.46 MILLION AWARDED > >> AS PART OF COVID-19 TELEHEALTH PROGRAM > >> > >> WASHINGTON, October 21, 2021?The Federal Communications Commission today > >> approved an additional 71 applications for funding commitments totaling > >> $40,468,845 for > >> Round 2 of its COVID-19 Telehealth Program. This is the FCC?s third > >> funding announcement > >> of approved Round 2 applications bringing the total to approximately > >> $123.6 million awarded to health care providers in each state, > >> territory, and the District of Columbia. > >> > >> > https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-announces-third-set-awards-covid-19-telehealth-round-2-0 > >> > >> Funded in NM: > >> > >> First Nations Community HealthSource in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a > >> Federally > >> Qualified Health Center that serves Tribal and Hispanic communities, was > >> awarded > >> $655,395 for laptops and connected devices that support remote patient > >> monitoring, > >> which will help ensure proper treatment of patients in their homes > >> without requiring inperson visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. > >> > >> > >> > >> --------------------------------------------------------------- > >> Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > >> 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > >> Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > >> rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > >> --------------------------------------------------------------- > >> > >> > >> ------------------------------ > >> > >> Message: 2 > >> Date: Mon, 25 Oct 2021 12:47:49 -0600 > >> From: Richard Lowenberg > >> To: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> > >> Subject: [1st-mile-nm] USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants: > >> NM > >> Message-ID: <54ab3bfc9d81ba0fb16599b78a5364bc at 1st-mile.org> > >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed > >> > >> The USDA has announced its latest Distance Learning and > >> Telemedicine Grants, with one award in NM. > >> > >> Ben Archer Health Center, Inc. $90,372 > >> > >> This Rural Development investment will be used to assist the > >> Health Education and Access to Learning (HEAL) Project. > >> The HEAL Project will deliver distance learning to rural and > >> exceptionally rural individuals in Northern Dona Ana, Sierra, > >> Otero and Luna Counties, New Mexico. The HEAL Project will > >> affect an estimate 97,000 people directly or indirectly in > >> southern New Mexico. > >> > >> > >> > https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2021/10/22/usda-make-115-billion-available-help-people-living-rural > >> > >> > >> > >> --------------------------------------------------------------- > >> Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > >> 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > >> Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > >> rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > >> --------------------------------------------------------------- > >> > >> > >> ------------------------------ > >> > >> Message: 3 > >> Date: Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:03:14 -0600 > >> From: Richard Lowenberg > >> To: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> > >> Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Comcast brings 1.2 Gbps fiber internet to > >> Gallup, NM > >> Message-ID: > >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed > >> > >> Comcast brings 1.2 Gbps fiber internet to Gallup, NM > >> > >> Oct. 28, 2021 > >> > >> > >> > https://www.broadbandtechreport.com/fiber/article/14213037/comcast-brings-12gbps-fiber-internet-to-gallup-nm > >> > >> Currently, more than 9,000 homes and businesses have access to Comcast?s > >> network in Gallup, New Mexico. > >> > >> In New Mexico, Comcast this month announced the company has introduced > >> additional Internet speed tiers for homes and small businesses in the > >> Gallup area, with internet speeds up to 1.2 Gbps now available to new > >> and existing customers. > >> > >> Currently, more than 9,000 homes and businesses have access to Comcast?s > >> network in Gallup. Consumers have access to all of the company's Xfinity > >> Internet packages including 50 Mbps, 100 Mbps, 300 Mbps, 600 Mbps, 900 > >> Mbps, and 1.2 Gig speed tiers. From supporting four connected devices at > >> a time, to speeds designed for heavy streamers, Gallup residents have a > >> variety of Comcast options to keep them connected. > >> > >> Bill Lee, CEO, Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce, commented, > >> ?Fast and reliable broadband is a key component of a vibrant economy. As > >> Gallup businesses continue to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, > >> it is good to see Comcast?s investment in our community to help ensure > >> that new and existing businesses will have the bandwidth needed to > >> succeed in the digital economy. With Internet speeds ranging from 50 > >> Mbps to 1.2 Gigabits, Gallup can continue to recruit more industry > >> sectors into our community, and help existing businesses grow.? > >> > >> Additionally, Comcast announced it will continue to offer its low-cost, > >> high-speed Internet program, Internet Essentials, to help provide more > >> low-income households in Gallup with the tools and resources they need > >> to succeed in an increasingly digital world. The program provides 50 > >> Mbps at-home internet access to low-income households for $9.95 per > >> month. Households that qualify for programs like the National School > >> Lunch Program, housing assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, and others may > >> qualify for Internet Essentials. > >> > >> Since the program launched in 2011, Comcast says it has connected > >> 296,000 low-income New Mexicans to the power of the Internet at home, > >> including 2,800 individuals in Gallup. > >> > >> Sarah Piano, Managing Regional Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters > >> Mountain Region, asserted, ?When Comcast operates in your community, you > >> can count on them to provide support to local nonprofits and community > >> organizations. Comcast is a long-standing partner and an amazing > >> supporter of our critical mentoring work in Gallup and across New > >> Mexico. Their Internet Essentials program is extremely affordable and > >> helped us connect dozens of our families to an at-home Internet > >> connection, which was critical this past year more than ever. Comcast > >> genuinely cares about the communities they work in and continually > >> strives to make things better for the families within those communities. > >> We are so grateful for their partnership.? > >> > >> > >> > >> --------------------------------------------------------------- > >> Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > >> 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > >> Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > >> rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > >> --------------------------------------------------------------- > >> > >> > >> ------------------------------ > >> > >> Message: 4 > >> Date: Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:07:23 -0600 > >> From: Richard Lowenberg > >> To: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> > >> Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Vexus Fiber readies FTTP plus 10G for > >> Albuquerque > >> Message-ID: <0114b6cb6971ea70e4960e39bd20346d at 1st-mile.org> > >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed > >> > >> Vexus Fiber readies FTTP plus 10G for Albuquerque > >> > >> Nov. 1, 2021 > >> > >> > https://www.broadbandtechreport.com/fiber/article/14213181/vexus-fiber-readies-fttp-plus-10g-for-albuquerque > >> > >> Company plans $250 million investment for its latest 100% fiber > >> broadband project. > >> > >> Vexus Fiber announced on Oct. 28 that it will be bringing its 100% > >> fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network to the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico. > >> The company said it will invest $250 million in the infrastructure of > >> the network and create 200 jobs in the construction phase over the next > >> three years. > >> > >> Vexus added that it will be building a 10 gigabit network, "so that as > >> devices get faster in the future, customers will have an internet option > >> that can keep up." Broadband packages with symmetrical upload and > >> download speeds up to one gigabit will be initially available to > >> customers. The network will be available for both homes and businesses > >> and will be 100% fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP), "meaning fewer > >> connectivity issues for customers," added a Vexus statement. > >> > >> Vexus Fiber said it plans to begin engineering for the project > >> immediately and start construction early next year. Completion of the > >> network is expected by 2024, but the network will be activated in > >> stages, so that some areas of the city will see service available > >> beginning in 2022. > >> > >> Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller commented, ?In the past year, it has become > >> clear that internet is not just a quality-of-life issue, but a fast, > >> reliable connection for every family and business is necessary for > >> learning and working too. High-speed fiber represents a major investment > >> in our infrastructure, creating hundreds of jobs for Albuquerque and > >> providing us with another key asset as we recruit more companies to our > >> city. This investment in a ubiquitous fiber network is also necessary to > >> make sure that no one is left behind in the quest for universal > >> affordable access to high-speed broadband services (that is, to ?bridge > >> the digital divide?). We welcome Vexus along with other fiber developers > >> who are interested in investing in ABQ and appreciate their confidence > >> in this great City.? > >> > >> In addition to the 200 construction jobs the project will create, the > >> company plans to create 150 permanent jobs with the opening of a local > >> office and storefront. > >> > >> ?We are excited to announce the expansion of fiber high-speed broadband > >> into Albuquerque,? said Jim Gleason, CEO of Vexus Fiber. ?We are > >> thrilled to become a part of the City of Albuquerque and see the area as > >> a terrific place for business. This network of the future will help > >> foster additional growth and economic development for the area.? > >> > >> Vexus has committed to building its fiber network throughout the entire > >> city and says it will provide service to all corners of Albuquerque. To > >> date, the company notes has installed successful high-speed fiber > >> networks in over 35 cities in Texas and Louisiana. > >> > >> ?This is a real win for the residents of our city,? said Dan Serrano, > >> CEO of the city's Westside Chamber of Commerce. ?Vexus is bringing > >> construction and permanent jobs with its expansion to Albuquerque as > >> well as faster connectivity for residents.? > >> > >> Vexus notes "the cost of the new service will be comparable to the other > >> services provided in the city today, but with better performance." The > >> first phase of the network could be available to Albuquerque residents > >> by summer 2022, according to company representatives. > >> > >> Learn more at www.connect.vexusfiber.com > >> > >> > >> --------------------------------------------------------------- > >> Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > >> 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > >> Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > >> rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > >> --------------------------------------------------------------- > >> > >> > >> ------------------------------ > >> > >> Message: 5 > >> Date: Mon, 08 Nov 2021 12:42:38 -0700 > >> From: Richard Lowenberg > >> To: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> > >> Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Federal Broadband Funding: Overviews > >> Message-ID: <751ebe36257b955814b81a8861608f57 at 1st-mile.org> > >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed > >> > >> Here are two postings that provide excellent information on the just > >> Congressionally passed Federal Broadband Funding Programs. > >> > >> From the Benton Institute: > >> > >> > https://www.benton.org/blog/largest-us-investment-broadband-deployment-ever > >> > >> CCG?s POTs and PANs blog: > >> > >> > https://potsandpansbyccg.com/2021/11/08/the-broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-program/ > >> > >> RL > >> > >> > >> --------------------------------------------------------------- > >> Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > >> 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > >> Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > >> rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > >> --------------------------------------------------------------- > >> > >> > >> ------------------------------ > >> > >> Message: 6 > >> Date: Mon, 8 Nov 2021 16:01:31 -0700 > >> From: Owen Densmore > >> To: Richard Lowenberg > >> Cc: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> > >> Subject: Re: [1st-mile-nm] Federal Broadband Funding: Overviews > >> Message-ID: > >> < > >> CAN_LYRkzH0TytjCOeV=gV+x8sknAsppNEnReFP8QtxxJ3NnGHA at mail.gmail.com> > >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > >> > >> Interesting! How will this impact NM? Hopefully we'll finally have > >> affordable, high speed, multiple provider internet for everyone. > >> > >> -- Owen > >> > >> On Mon, Nov 8, 2021 at 12:42 PM Richard Lowenberg > >> wrote: > >> > >> > >> Here are two postings that provide excellent information on the just > >> Congressionally passed Federal Broadband Funding Programs. > >> > >> From the Benton Institute: > >> > >> > https://www.benton.org/blog/largest-us-investment-broadband-deployment-ever > >> > >> CCG?s POTs and PANs blog: > >> > >> > >> > https://potsandpansbyccg.com/2021/11/08/the-broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-program/ > >> > >> RL > >> > >> > >> --------------------------------------------------------------- > >> Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > >> 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > >> Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > >> rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > >> --------------------------------------------------------------- > >> _______________________________________________ > >> 1st-mile-nm mailing list > >> 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > >> http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > >> > >> -------------- next part -------------- > >> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > >> URL: < > >> > http://mailman.dcn.org/pipermail/1st-mile-nm/attachments/20211108/898cb421/attachment-0001.html > >> > > >> > >> ------------------------------ > >> > >> Message: 7 > >> Date: Mon, 15 Nov 2021 17:47:39 -0700 > >> From: Richard Lowenberg > >> To: 1st-mile Nm <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> > >> Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Fwd: NM DOIT/CTC WEBINAR INVITE: Overview - > >> USDA Reconnect Loan and Grant Program > >> Message-ID: <1acaa205a1ea1ccd294e3583f396b45f at 1st-mile.org> > >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; Format="flowed" > >> > >> -------- Original Message -------- > >> Subject: NM DOIT/CTC WEBINAR INVITE: Overview - USDA Reconnect Loan and > >> Grant Program > >> Date: 2021-11-15 17:28 > >> From: "Clarke, George, DoIT" > >> Cc: "Tilton, Rand, DoIT" , "Karen White > >> (kwhite at ctcnet.us)" > >> > >> ReConnect Loan and Grant Program Workshop > >> > >> The _New Mexico Department of Information Technology_ (NM DoIT) has > >> partnered with _CTC Technology & Energy_ to host a workshop on the > >> USDA's Broadband ReConnect program. > >> > >> This informational workshop will provide detail regarding opportunities > >> associated with the USDA ReConnect Program. This program furnishes loans > >> and grants to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, > >> and/or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide > >> broadband service to eligible rural areas. > >> > >> The USDA's Broadband ReConnect Program new rules dramatically expand > >> eligibility and effectively redefine broadband. Entities that can apply > >> for ReConnect assistance include corporations, limited liability > >> companies/partnerships, cooperative or mutual organizations, > >> states/local governments including > >> agency/subdivision/instrumentality/political subdivision, and Tribal (as > >> defined in Section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education > >> Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b)). > >> > >> Please join us as we review the program's new rules, provide guidance on > >> how to take advantage of this funding opportunity, and share tips on how > >> to position your application. > >> > >> The ReConnect Loan and Grant Program Workshop will be held on Wednesday, > >> November 17 from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. MDT. In this workshop, there > >> will be time to provide answers and strategic direction to participants. > >> > >> > >> Register in advance for this meeting: > >> > >> https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJElcOyuqzsvHtIJvHxkULVAbtPhK8zyAE7t > >> > >> After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing > >> information about joining the meeting. > >> > >> Thank you, > >> > >> DoIT New Mexico Broadband Program and CTC Technology and Energy > >> > >> > >> --------------------------------------------------------------- > >> Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > >> 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > >> Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > >> rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > >> --------------------------------------------------------------- > >> -------------- next part -------------- > >> A non-text attachment was scrubbed... > >> Name: DoIT_CTC_ReConnect Loan and Grant Program_invitation.pdf > >> Type: application/pdf > >> Size: 115779 bytes > >> Desc: not available > >> URL: < > >> > http://mailman.dcn.org/pipermail/1st-mile-nm/attachments/20211115/8ab56b21/attachment.pdf > >> > > >> > >> ------------------------------ > >> > >> Subject: Digest Footer > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> 1st-mile-nm mailing list > >> 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > >> http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > >> > >> > >> ------------------------------ > >> > >> End of 1st-mile-nm Digest, Vol 181, Issue 1 > >> ******************************************* > >> > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> 1st-mile-nm mailing list > >> 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > >> http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > >> > > _______________________________________________ > > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > > > > > -- > Michael Harris > -- > President, Visgence Inc. > www.visgence.com > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: < > http://mailman.dcn.org/pipermail/1st-mile-nm/attachments/20211229/e099749b/attachment.html > > > > ------------------------------ > > Subject: Digest Footer > > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > > > ------------------------------ > > End of 1st-mile-nm Digest, Vol 182, Issue 5 > ******************************************* > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From rl at 1st-mile.org Thu Dec 30 09:28:38 2021 From: rl at 1st-mile.org (Richard Lowenberg) Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2021 10:28:38 -0700 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Cuba, NM school district buys Starlink internet for students Message-ID: Rural New Mexico school district buys Starlink internet for students Associated Press Dec 29, 2021 https://www.santafenewmexican.com/ap/rural-new-mexico-school-district-buys-starlink-internet-for-students/article_38dea62e-146d-5324-bbdc-b7b63acb1ddb.html A school district in northwestern New Mexico is providing high-speed internet to students' families, most of whom are Indigenous, in a $1.2 million deal that leapfrogs piecemeal efforts by state and tribal officials. Cuba Independent Schools Superintendent Karen Sanchez-Griego said staff began installing Starlink?s $500 receivers at students? homes in November and hope to connect all 450 families by the end of the school year. Traditional fiber optic cables haven't been installed around Cuba because of the area's sparse population, lack of money, and crisscrossing red tape from tribal, federal and state agencies that have to approve digging. New Mexico education officials were ordered by a court in April to provide high-speed internet to students in Cuba and other areas but haven't done so. Wi-Fi hotspots from the state didn't work well in remote areas far from cellphone towers. Education officials are planning on purchasing Starlink units for around 1,000 families around the state but haven't specified a timeline for doing it. ?Our kids can?t wait,? said Sanchez-Griego, adding that the investment is funded by federal relief money that will eventually run out paying for $100 monthly internet fees. ?Our hope is that the state will come through." --------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org --------------------------------------------------------------- From john at citylinkfiber.com Thu Dec 30 09:45:39 2021 From: john at citylinkfiber.com (John Brown) Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2021 10:45:39 -0700 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Cuba, NM school district buys Starlink internet for students In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Makes me wonder about the $ 4+MILLION Sandoval County spent a number of years ago to build a Open Access microwave network. This was supposed to feed the community of Cuba, NM. To the best of my knowledge the network was never made "Open Access" and no ISP used the network to provide services. There is a microwave link that goes from Sandoval County Building up to Fire Station in Placitas, and then from there up to Cuba... I've asked Sandoval County several times about using this TAX PAYER FUNDED Open Access network only to receive no response.. More waste in our state. This Citizens in Cuba could have had a well running locally funded, locally employed, locally staffed network YEARS AGO. This isn't the first time our State Government (State, County, City) has WASTED MILLIONS and the citizens have nothing to show for it. It also won't be the last time. On Thu, Dec 30, 2021 at 10:28 AM Richard Lowenberg wrote: > > Rural New Mexico school district buys Starlink internet for students > > Associated Press Dec 29, 2021 > https://www.santafenewmexican.com/ap/rural-new-mexico-school-district-buys-starlink-internet-for-students/article_38dea62e-146d-5324-bbdc-b7b63acb1ddb.html > > A school district in northwestern New Mexico is providing high-speed > internet to students' families, most of whom are Indigenous, in a $1.2 > million deal that leapfrogs piecemeal efforts by state and tribal > officials. > > Cuba Independent Schools Superintendent Karen Sanchez-Griego said staff > began installing Starlink?s $500 receivers at students? homes in > November and hope to connect all 450 families by the end of the school > year. > > Traditional fiber optic cables haven't been installed around Cuba > because of the area's sparse population, lack of money, and > crisscrossing red tape from tribal, federal and state agencies that have > to approve digging. > > New Mexico education officials were ordered by a court in April to > provide high-speed internet to students in Cuba and other areas but > haven't done so. > > Wi-Fi hotspots from the state didn't work well in remote areas far from > cellphone towers. Education officials are planning on purchasing > Starlink units for around 1,000 families around the state but haven't > specified a timeline for doing it. > > ?Our kids can?t wait,? said Sanchez-Griego, adding that the investment > is funded by federal relief money that will eventually run out paying > for $100 monthly internet fees. ?Our hope is that the state will come > through." > > > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > --------------------------------------------------------------- > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm -- Respectfully, John Brown, CISSP Managing Member, CityLink Telecommunications NM, LLC From mharris at visgence.com Thu Dec 30 09:47:48 2021 From: mharris at visgence.com (Michael Harris) Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2021 10:47:48 -0700 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Cuba, NM school district buys Starlink internet for students In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: > > crisscrossing red tape from tribal, federal and state agencies that have > to approve digging. What is DoIT doing to lobby other state agencies to approve digging? The best time to start solving that problem was 10 years ago. The next best time is now. On Thu, Dec 30, 2021 at 10:28 AM Richard Lowenberg wrote: > Rural New Mexico school district buys Starlink internet for students > > Associated Press Dec 29, 2021 > > https://www.santafenewmexican.com/ap/rural-new-mexico-school-district-buys-starlink-internet-for-students/article_38dea62e-146d-5324-bbdc-b7b63acb1ddb.html > > A school district in northwestern New Mexico is providing high-speed > internet to students' families, most of whom are Indigenous, in a $1.2 > million deal that leapfrogs piecemeal efforts by state and tribal > officials. > > Cuba Independent Schools Superintendent Karen Sanchez-Griego said staff > began installing Starlink?s $500 receivers at students? homes in > November and hope to connect all 450 families by the end of the school > year. > > Traditional fiber optic cables haven't been installed around Cuba > because of the area's sparse population, lack of money, and > crisscrossing red tape from tribal, federal and state agencies that have > to approve digging. > > New Mexico education officials were ordered by a court in April to > provide high-speed internet to students in Cuba and other areas but > haven't done so. > > Wi-Fi hotspots from the state didn't work well in remote areas far from > cellphone towers. Education officials are planning on purchasing > Starlink units for around 1,000 families around the state but haven't > specified a timeline for doing it. > > ?Our kids can?t wait,? said Sanchez-Griego, adding that the investment > is funded by federal relief money that will eventually run out paying > for $100 monthly internet fees. ?Our hope is that the state will come > through." > > > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > --------------------------------------------------------------- > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > -- Michael Harris -- President, Visgence Inc. www.visgence.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From john at citylinkfiber.com Thu Dec 30 09:51:03 2021 From: john at citylinkfiber.com (John Brown) Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2021 10:51:03 -0700 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Cuba, NM school district buys Starlink internet for students In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: And BTW, This Cuba is funded by "Federal Money". Where does Federal Money come from ??? Printing press, or YOUR TAX DOLLARS.. Then Cuba hops that the State will pick up the tab and continue to pay an OUT OF STATE COMPANY . Again YOUR TAX DOLLARS. And they (The State, County, etc) wasted YOUR TAX DOLLARS on the Sandoval Broadband project to the tune of $4 million....... There are plenty of locally owned, staffed and managed companies on this list that could have made use of that infrastructure to provide Cuba with much needed modern internet. CityLink, Lobo Internet, Sacred Wind, Cybermesa, to name a few.... On Thu, Dec 30, 2021 at 10:28 AM Richard Lowenberg wrote: > > Rural New Mexico school district buys Starlink internet for students > > Associated Press Dec 29, 2021 > https://www.santafenewmexican.com/ap/rural-new-mexico-school-district-buys-starlink-internet-for-students/article_38dea62e-146d-5324-bbdc-b7b63acb1ddb.html > > A school district in northwestern New Mexico is providing high-speed > internet to students' families, most of whom are Indigenous, in a $1.2 > million deal that leapfrogs piecemeal efforts by state and tribal > officials. > > Cuba Independent Schools Superintendent Karen Sanchez-Griego said staff > began installing Starlink?s $500 receivers at students? homes in > November and hope to connect all 450 families by the end of the school > year. > > Traditional fiber optic cables haven't been installed around Cuba > because of the area's sparse population, lack of money, and > crisscrossing red tape from tribal, federal and state agencies that have > to approve digging. > > New Mexico education officials were ordered by a court in April to > provide high-speed internet to students in Cuba and other areas but > haven't done so. > > Wi-Fi hotspots from the state didn't work well in remote areas far from > cellphone towers. Education officials are planning on purchasing > Starlink units for around 1,000 families around the state but haven't > specified a timeline for doing it. > > ?Our kids can?t wait,? said Sanchez-Griego, adding that the investment > is funded by federal relief money that will eventually run out paying > for $100 monthly internet fees. ?Our hope is that the state will come > through." > > > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org > --------------------------------------------------------------- > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm -- Respectfully, John Brown, CISSP Managing Member, CityLink Telecommunications NM, LLC From john at citylinkfiber.com Thu Dec 30 09:55:33 2021 From: john at citylinkfiber.com (John Brown) Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2021 10:55:33 -0700 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Cuba, NM school district buys Starlink internet for students In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: You mean Can't DoIT ??? Bottom line, Our state leadership does not have the balls to push thru meaningful changes that would open up construction in our state. Three simple things: 1. One-stop shop for state wide franchise / ROW agreement. Instead we have to negotiate with hundreds of local entities 2. State Managed / State wide Poll Attachment process that i equal to or BETTER than the Feds. Instead we have to fight with PNM, CenturyLink, Rural Coop's, and other for pole access that is in the RoW. 3. Mandating that all State (State, County, City) underground construction projects be open to telecom providers so they can place facilities at the time of construction. On Thu, Dec 30, 2021 at 10:48 AM Michael Harris wrote: >> >> crisscrossing red tape from tribal, federal and state agencies that have to approve digging. > > > What is DoIT doing to lobby other state agencies to approve digging? The best time to start solving that problem was 10 years ago. The next best time is now. > > On Thu, Dec 30, 2021 at 10:28 AM Richard Lowenberg wrote: >> >> Rural New Mexico school district buys Starlink internet for students >> >> Associated Press Dec 29, 2021 >> https://www.santafenewmexican.com/ap/rural-new-mexico-school-district-buys-starlink-internet-for-students/article_38dea62e-146d-5324-bbdc-b7b63acb1ddb.html >> >> A school district in northwestern New Mexico is providing high-speed >> internet to students' families, most of whom are Indigenous, in a $1.2 >> million deal that leapfrogs piecemeal efforts by state and tribal >> officials. >> >> Cuba Independent Schools Superintendent Karen Sanchez-Griego said staff >> began installing Starlink?s $500 receivers at students? homes in >> November and hope to connect all 450 families by the end of the school >> year. >> >> Traditional fiber optic cables haven't been installed around Cuba >> because of the area's sparse population, lack of money, and >> crisscrossing red tape from tribal, federal and state agencies that have >> to approve digging. >> >> New Mexico education officials were ordered by a court in April to >> provide high-speed internet to students in Cuba and other areas but >> haven't done so. >> >> Wi-Fi hotspots from the state didn't work well in remote areas far from >> cellphone towers. Education officials are planning on purchasing >> Starlink units for around 1,000 families around the state but haven't >> specified a timeline for doing it. >> >> ?Our kids can?t wait,? said Sanchez-Griego, adding that the investment >> is funded by federal relief money that will eventually run out paying >> for $100 monthly internet fees. ?Our hope is that the state will come >> through." >> >> >> >> --------------------------------------------------------------- >> Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director >> 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 >> Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, >> rl at 1st-mile.org www.1st-mile.org >> --------------------------------------------------------------- >> _______________________________________________ >> 1st-mile-nm mailing list >> 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org >> http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > > > > -- > Michael Harris > -- > President, Visgence Inc. > www.visgence.com > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm -- Respectfully, John Brown, CISSP Managing Member, CityLink Telecommunications NM, LLC From john at citylinkfiber.com Thu Dec 30 10:03:33 2021 From: john at citylinkfiber.com (John Brown) Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2021 11:03:33 -0700 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] US Feds to increase costs for access to Federal Land for broadband Message-ID: The US Forest Service just pushed out a notice that they plan to increase the annual cost of using Federal Land for broadband deployment. The USFS has been increasing the costs to use "Comm Sites" for years and now they want to add more fees because "they are short staffed" and need more money to hire people. Each year the Feds collect millions of dollars from comm-site providers and use those funds for everything BUT comm-site projects. They DO NOT keep the roads in good repair. They DO NOT provide security They don't fence the area in to keep hikers / animals out and thus safe. When there is a crime, their Law Enforcement side pushes it off to the local county / city cops (yet its federal land) They don't respond to comm-site owners that are worried about FIRE DAMAGE because the Feds won't respond to allow us to clear the area around the site. They take more than a year to process simple requests and changes. Yet our leaders say we need more broadband and they want to help get that deployed. And then on the other side they go RAISE the rates to make use of those sites. DoubleSpeak is what I call it. I think its time we start doing what ATT has learned they can do. Pass all of these costs on to the consumer (er voter).. I'm seriously think that next year I'll do a Sandia USFS SIte Cost Recovery Fee. Federal Regulatory Burden / Cost Recovery Fee -- Respectfully, John Brown, CISSP Managing Member, CityLink Telecommunications NM, LLC From kimball at sfis.k12.nm.us Thu Dec 30 12:02:30 2021 From: kimball at sfis.k12.nm.us (Kimball Sekaquaptewa) Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2021 20:02:30 +0000 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Cuba, NM school district buys Starlink internet for students In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Congratulations to Cuba students! As we all know, COVID-19 revealed the brutal fault lines of the digital divide especially on rural tribal lands. I have watched Superintendent Karen Sanchez-Griego look for and find so many creative strategies to help her families, including the bus deliveries that didn't just provide wi-fi but also device pickup and overnight charging for homes without electricity. I just want to say thank you, to her and her team for their leadership and endless hours dedication! I also hope that the Starlink units and subscriptions were funded through FCC Emergency Connectivity Fund and that a sustainable funding stream for continued service will emerge or that families will have options to purchase affordable high speed sustainable internet for the long term. Kimball Sekaquaptewa Chief Technology Director Santa Fe Indian School ?On 12/30/21, 10:46 AM, "1st-mile-nm on behalf of John Brown" <1st-mile-nm-bounces at mailman.dcn.org on behalf of john at citylinkfiber.com> wrote: Makes me wonder about the $ 4+MILLION Sandoval County spent a number of years ago to build a Open Access microwave network. This was supposed to feed the community of Cuba, NM. To the best of my knowledge the network was never made "Open Access" and no ISP used the network to provide services. There is a microwave link that goes from Sandoval County Building up to Fire Station in Placitas, and then from there up to Cuba... I've asked Sandoval County several times about using this TAX PAYER FUNDED Open Access network only to receive no response.. More waste in our state. This Citizens in Cuba could have had a well running locally funded, locally employed, locally staffed network YEARS AGO. This isn't the first time our State Government (State, County, City) has WASTED MILLIONS and the citizens have nothing to show for it. It also won't be the last time. On Thu, Dec 30, 2021 at 10:28 AM Richard Lowenberg wrote: > > Rural New Mexico school district buys Starlink internet for students > > Associated Press Dec 29, 2021 > https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.santafenewmexican.com%2Fap%2Frural-new-mexico-school-district-buys-starlink-internet-for-students%2Farticle_38dea62e-146d-5324-bbdc-b7b63acb1ddb.html&data=04%7C01%7Ckimball%40sfis.k12.nm.us%7C82dedc5bbf6b48f268ac08d9cbbc45b5%7C8652b09867e848e8a52b92c408b3e10d%7C0%7C0%7C637764831772552744%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=OFZn4WuEbkYJREerRoNbLG6kX8ZFpBVQfHyxQ3bZLGk%3D&reserved=0 > > A school district in northwestern New Mexico is providing high-speed > internet to students' families, most of whom are Indigenous, in a $1.2 > million deal that leapfrogs piecemeal efforts by state and tribal > officials. > > Cuba Independent Schools Superintendent Karen Sanchez-Griego said staff > began installing Starlink?s $500 receivers at students? homes in > November and hope to connect all 450 families by the end of the school > year. > > Traditional fiber optic cables haven't been installed around Cuba > because of the area's sparse population, lack of money, and > crisscrossing red tape from tribal, federal and state agencies that have > to approve digging. > > New Mexico education officials were ordered by a court in April to > provide high-speed internet to students in Cuba and other areas but > haven't done so. > > Wi-Fi hotspots from the state didn't work well in remote areas far from > cellphone towers. Education officials are planning on purchasing > Starlink units for around 1,000 families around the state but haven't > specified a timeline for doing it. > > ?Our kids can?t wait,? said Sanchez-Griego, adding that the investment > is funded by federal relief money that will eventually run out paying > for $100 monthly internet fees. ?Our hope is that the state will come > through." > > > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > rl at 1st-mile.org https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.1st-mile.org%2F&data=04%7C01%7Ckimball%40sfis.k12.nm.us%7C82dedc5bbf6b48f268ac08d9cbbc45b5%7C8652b09867e848e8a52b92c408b3e10d%7C0%7C0%7C637764831772552744%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=ieXoBJ4seNsrYJ%2FYuILuMmrOiBkXFRpgDolCr7n1Rdc%3D&reserved=0 > --------------------------------------------------------------- > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmailman.dcn.org%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2F1st-mile-nm&data=04%7C01%7Ckimball%40sfis.k12.nm.us%7C82dedc5bbf6b48f268ac08d9cbbc45b5%7C8652b09867e848e8a52b92c408b3e10d%7C0%7C0%7C637764831772552744%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=wj%2F3mUz%2Bmh5cTfD384gpa9z8pMwaUcy8mJWzVRnKKug%3D&reserved=0 -- Respectfully, John Brown, CISSP Managing Member, CityLink Telecommunications NM, LLC _______________________________________________ 1st-mile-nm mailing list 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmailman.dcn.org%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2F1st-mile-nm&data=04%7C01%7Ckimball%40sfis.k12.nm.us%7C82dedc5bbf6b48f268ac08d9cbbc45b5%7C8652b09867e848e8a52b92c408b3e10d%7C0%7C0%7C637764831772552744%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=wj%2F3mUz%2Bmh5cTfD384gpa9z8pMwaUcy8mJWzVRnKKug%3D&reserved=0 From nanrubin at gmail.com Thu Dec 30 12:06:55 2021 From: nanrubin at gmail.com (Nan Rubin) Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2021 13:06:55 -0700 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] US Feds to increase costs for access to Federal Land for broadband In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: At the beginning of this year, the legislative session approved a multi-million dollar allocation for a centralized broadband office, to coordinate all these disparate interests and getting broadband deployed, coordinating grant applications to ensure that there won't be a lot of competition among municipalities, and so we know who's applying for what, and to prioritize where services need to go and direct resources in two into those areas. That was nearly a year ago. Do we know if this office has been set up, and has a broadband czar been named to the state of New Mexico? I haven't seen anything about it down here in Las Cruces, no news whether this has been put in place or whatever. So please tell us Richard, do you know if this is going on so we can make our positions known? Thanks much! When I saw that the money had been allocated by the state to set up the broadband coordinating office, I was hoping it would get established pretty quickly. Here it is a year later and no news. Maybe we need to keep making noise to make sure that this gets done as soon as possible?... 0 best to everyone for the new year! Nan Ruben On Thu, Dec 30, 2021, 11:04 AM John Brown wrote: > The US Forest Service just pushed out a notice that they plan to > increase the annual > cost of using Federal Land for broadband deployment. > > The USFS has been increasing the costs to use "Comm Sites" for years > and now they want to add more fees because "they are short staffed" > and need more money to hire people. > > Each year the Feds collect millions of dollars from comm-site > providers and use those funds for everything BUT comm-site projects. > > They DO NOT keep the roads in good repair. > They DO NOT provide security > They don't fence the area in to keep hikers / animals out and thus safe. > When there is a crime, their Law Enforcement side pushes it off to the > local county / city cops > (yet its federal land) > They don't respond to comm-site owners that are worried about FIRE > DAMAGE because the Feds won't respond to allow us to clear the area > around the site. > They take more than a year to process simple requests and changes. > > Yet our leaders say we need more broadband and they want to help get > that deployed. And then > on the other side they go RAISE the rates to make use of those sites. > DoubleSpeak is what I call it. > > I think its time we start doing what ATT has learned they can do. > Pass all of these costs on to the consumer (er voter).. I'm seriously > think that next year I'll do a > > Sandia USFS SIte Cost Recovery Fee. > Federal Regulatory Burden / Cost Recovery Fee > > > > > -- > Respectfully, > > John Brown, CISSP > Managing Member, CityLink Telecommunications NM, LLC > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From editorsteve at gmail.com Thu Dec 30 12:40:15 2021 From: editorsteve at gmail.com (Steve Ross) Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2021 15:40:15 -0500 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] US Feds to increase costs for access to Federal Land for broadband In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: John and group, The Forest Service fee schedule for fiber specifically is set by individual federal region, which I have considered a deliberate action to avoid commitments made in the last summer of Obama administration and in 2018, to do whatever any federal agency can do to facilitate broadband deployment. There are also national fee schedules for cellular, broadcast, etc... ones that vary by populations served (that is, "whatever the traffic will bear") and not by actual cost to USFS. What I get is a "we need to hire more firefighters" excuse. Huh? Ask Congress for the money or specifically tax something everyone wants? Which is more logical? Steve Ross Editor-at-Large and founding editor, Broadband Communities Magazine 201-456-5933 Editorsteve at gmail.com Steve at bbcmag.com On Thu, Dec 30, 2021, 1:03 PM John Brown wrote: > The US Forest Service just pushed out a notice that they plan to > increase the annual > cost of using Federal Land for broadband deployment. > > The USFS has been increasing the costs to use "Comm Sites" for years > and now they want to add more fees because "they are short staffed" > and need more money to hire people. > > Each year the Feds collect millions of dollars from comm-site > providers and use those funds for everything BUT comm-site projects. > > They DO NOT keep the roads in good repair. > They DO NOT provide security > They don't fence the area in to keep hikers / animals out and thus safe. > When there is a crime, their Law Enforcement side pushes it off to the > local county / city cops > (yet its federal land) > They don't respond to comm-site owners that are worried about FIRE > DAMAGE because the Feds won't respond to allow us to clear the area > around the site. > They take more than a year to process simple requests and changes. > > Yet our leaders say we need more broadband and they want to help get > that deployed. And then > on the other side they go RAISE the rates to make use of those sites. > DoubleSpeak is what I call it. > > I think its time we start doing what ATT has learned they can do. > Pass all of these costs on to the consumer (er voter).. I'm seriously > think that next year I'll do a > > Sandia USFS SIte Cost Recovery Fee. > Federal Regulatory Burden / Cost Recovery Fee > > > > > -- > Respectfully, > > John Brown, CISSP > Managing Member, CityLink Telecommunications NM, LLC > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From akkana at shallowsky.com Thu Dec 30 13:04:00 2021 From: akkana at shallowsky.com (Akkana Peck) Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2021 14:04:00 -0700 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] Cuba, NM school district buys Starlink internet for students In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I'm mostly curious how long it will take and if that was part of the deal. I have a friend in Nambe who signed up for Starlink roughly this time last year. They put her on a wait list, and last I heard, she was still waiting. Starlink (subsidized, since it's expensive) seems like it might be a good near-term solution for a lot of New Mexico -- once it actually becomes available and isn't just vaporware and promises. ...Akkana Kimball Sekaquaptewa writes: > Congratulations to Cuba students! As we all know, COVID-19 revealed the brutal fault lines of the digital divide especially on rural tribal lands. I have watched Superintendent Karen Sanchez-Griego look for and find so many creative strategies to help her families, including the bus deliveries that didn't just provide wi-fi but also device pickup and overnight charging for homes without electricity. I just want to say thank you, to her and her team for their leadership and endless hours dedication! > I also hope that the Starlink units and subscriptions were funded through FCC Emergency Connectivity Fund and that a sustainable funding stream for continued service will emerge or that families will have options to purchase affordable high speed sustainable internet for the long term. > > Kimball Sekaquaptewa > Chief Technology Director > Santa Fe Indian School > > > ?On 12/30/21, 10:46 AM, "1st-mile-nm on behalf of John Brown" <1st-mile-nm-bounces at mailman.dcn.org on behalf of john at citylinkfiber.com> wrote: > > Makes me wonder about the $ 4+MILLION Sandoval County spent a number > of years ago to build a Open Access microwave network. > This was supposed to feed the community of Cuba, NM. > To the best of my knowledge the network was never made "Open Access" > and no ISP used the network to provide services. > There is a microwave link that goes from Sandoval County Building up > to Fire Station in Placitas, and then from there up to > Cuba... > > I've asked Sandoval County several times about using this TAX PAYER > FUNDED Open Access network only to receive > no response.. > > More waste in our state. This Citizens in Cuba could have had a well > running locally funded, locally employed, locally staffed > network YEARS AGO. > > This isn't the first time our State Government (State, County, City) > has WASTED MILLIONS and the citizens have nothing to > show for it. It also won't be the last time. > > > On Thu, Dec 30, 2021 at 10:28 AM Richard Lowenberg wrote: > > > > Rural New Mexico school district buys Starlink internet for students > > > > Associated Press Dec 29, 2021 > > https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.santafenewmexican.com%2Fap%2Frural-new-mexico-school-district-buys-starlink-internet-for-students%2Farticle_38dea62e-146d-5324-bbdc-b7b63acb1ddb.html&data=04%7C01%7Ckimball%40sfis.k12.nm.us%7C82dedc5bbf6b48f268ac08d9cbbc45b5%7C8652b09867e848e8a52b92c408b3e10d%7C0%7C0%7C637764831772552744%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=OFZn4WuEbkYJREerRoNbLG6kX8ZFpBVQfHyxQ3bZLGk%3D&reserved=0 > > > > A school district in northwestern New Mexico is providing high-speed > > internet to students' families, most of whom are Indigenous, in a $1.2 > > million deal that leapfrogs piecemeal efforts by state and tribal > > officials. > > > > Cuba Independent Schools Superintendent Karen Sanchez-Griego said staff > > began installing Starlink?s $500 receivers at students? homes in > > November and hope to connect all 450 families by the end of the school > > year. > > > > Traditional fiber optic cables haven't been installed around Cuba > > because of the area's sparse population, lack of money, and > > crisscrossing red tape from tribal, federal and state agencies that have > > to approve digging. > > > > New Mexico education officials were ordered by a court in April to > > provide high-speed internet to students in Cuba and other areas but > > haven't done so. > > > > Wi-Fi hotspots from the state didn't work well in remote areas far from > > cellphone towers. Education officials are planning on purchasing > > Starlink units for around 1,000 families around the state but haven't > > specified a timeline for doing it. > > > > ?Our kids can?t wait,? said Sanchez-Griego, adding that the investment > > is funded by federal relief money that will eventually run out paying > > for $100 monthly internet fees. ?Our hope is that the state will come > > through." > > > > > > > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > > Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director > > 1st-Mile Institute 505-603-5200 > > Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504, > > rl at 1st-mile.org https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.1st-mile.org%2F&data=04%7C01%7Ckimball%40sfis.k12.nm.us%7C82dedc5bbf6b48f268ac08d9cbbc45b5%7C8652b09867e848e8a52b92c408b3e10d%7C0%7C0%7C637764831772552744%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=ieXoBJ4seNsrYJ%2FYuILuMmrOiBkXFRpgDolCr7n1Rdc%3D&reserved=0 > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > > _______________________________________________ > > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > > https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmailman.dcn.org%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2F1st-mile-nm&data=04%7C01%7Ckimball%40sfis.k12.nm.us%7C82dedc5bbf6b48f268ac08d9cbbc45b5%7C8652b09867e848e8a52b92c408b3e10d%7C0%7C0%7C637764831772552744%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=wj%2F3mUz%2Bmh5cTfD384gpa9z8pMwaUcy8mJWzVRnKKug%3D&reserved=0 > > > > -- > Respectfully, > > John Brown, CISSP > Managing Member, CityLink Telecommunications NM, LLC > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmailman.dcn.org%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2F1st-mile-nm&data=04%7C01%7Ckimball%40sfis.k12.nm.us%7C82dedc5bbf6b48f268ac08d9cbbc45b5%7C8652b09867e848e8a52b92c408b3e10d%7C0%7C0%7C637764831772552744%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=wj%2F3mUz%2Bmh5cTfD384gpa9z8pMwaUcy8mJWzVRnKKug%3D&reserved=0 > > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm From akkana at shallowsky.com Thu Dec 30 13:25:11 2021 From: akkana at shallowsky.com (Akkana Peck) Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2021 14:25:11 -0700 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] US Feds to increase costs for access to Federal Land for broadband In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: A web search found: https://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/ They have a map of availability of various types of broadband, which is about as reliable as such maps usually are -- who knew that most of the lower Bandelier back country had fiber? -- and a page on the Technical Assistance Program to help qualified government entities who are seeking to deploy or expand broadband infrastructure, with a soft application date of 17 October 2021 for proposals. I wonder how many proposals they actually got. They also have a link to a speed test that implies that they'll actually collect speeds and make them part of their map. So I encourage everyone to go there, https://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/speedtest.shtml even if you already know your connection speed, and especially if you have a slow link and want to make sure they include that in their data. ...Akkana Nan Rubin writes: > At the beginning of this year, the legislative session approved a > multi-million dollar allocation for a centralized broadband office, to > coordinate all these disparate interests and getting broadband deployed, > coordinating grant applications to ensure that there won't be a lot of > competition among municipalities, and so we know who's applying for what, > and to prioritize where services need to go and direct resources in two > into those areas. That was nearly a year ago. Do we know if this office has > been set up, and has a broadband czar been named to the state of New > Mexico? I haven't seen anything about it down here in Las Cruces, no news > whether this has been put in place or whatever. So please tell us Richard, > do you know if this is going on so we can make our positions known? Thanks > much! When I saw that the money had been allocated by the state to set up > the broadband coordinating office, I was hoping it would get established > pretty quickly. Here it is a year later and no news. Maybe we need to keep > making noise to make sure that this gets done as soon as possible?... 0 > best to everyone for the new year! Nan Ruben From george.clarke at state.nm.us Thu Dec 30 15:25:47 2021 From: george.clarke at state.nm.us (Clarke, George, DoIT) Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2021 23:25:47 +0000 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] [EXTERNAL] Re: US Feds to increase costs for access to Federal Land for broadband In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Thank you for that Akkana and G-Day to you all: With regards to the dialogue below, I'll attempt to provide some clear thinking to the assumptions and answers to your questions - - OBAE: The Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) is in the construction phase that has begun with the recent hiring of an "Broadband Advisor" to the Governor. The individual is Matt Schmit who comes to us very qualifief for the job having been the Broadband Director for the State of Illinois. We've had a series of meetings, and traction is happening. - History: We are extremely grateful that we've finally gotten some funding and an organizational structure to implement. Some of you do not know, yet the Department of Information Technology (DoIT) NM Broadband Program started with a $4.7M NTIA grant with a five year term during the ARRA Days. Following that DoIT limped the program along with temporary funding. The only legislative recurring funding received since 2010 was $100K. Yes, difficult for DoIT to "Do" given no cash to "Do". In 2020 $10M was appropriated though not recurring nor for operations/staff. The 2021 legislation lifed the shoes off the ground, and we are extremely grateful that we've got something to work with. If interested in the 2021 legislation, please note the following links - - HB10: https://nmlegis.gov/Sessions/21%20Regular/final/HB0010.pdf - SB93: https://nmlegis.gov/Sessions/21%20Regular/final/SB0093.pdf - SB377: https://nmlegis.gov/Sessions/21%20Regular/final/SB0377.pdf - HB285: https://nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?Chamber=H&LegType=B&LegNo=285&year=21 - Projects: With the funds in hand DoIT has funded partially with match or fully projects in Lea County, Sierra County, Cochiti Pueblo, Jal/Carlsbad, Navajo Nation, Edgewood, and northern NM. Funds were also allocated to prepare a NM Broadband Strategic Plan (June 2020), develop a community broadband survey instrument, and continue our mapping program. Note we will be expanding the Community Survey into other areas who wish it. - NMBBP Strategic Plan: https://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/reports/nmbbp_strategic20200616Rev2Final.pdf - NMBBP Map: https://nmbbmapping.org/mapping/ - Community Survey (Dona Ana): https://www.donaanabroadband.com/?language=en - Other: NMBBP is also in discussion with potential projects in Counties, Land Grants, Colonia, and Tribal Lands. - RFP: DoIT also pushed out a Request for Proposals to support Broadband Planning, Grant Writing, and Infrastructure Implementation that is available to political subdivisions. Those vendors are being used by local entities in support of federal funding opportunities. Hit the link and search on "Broadband". - SPD: https://www.generalservices.state.nm.us/state-purchasing/statewide-price-agreements/ - NM TAP: The NM Technical Assistance Program (NM TAP) has received ten proposals as a response to DoIT's NM Broadband Program Request for Information (RFI). We intend to support all of them, yet due to resource issues we'll need to stagger them. The targeted areas include Taos, Deming, Socorro, Santa Fe Ski Area, Silver City, Western NM rural communities, Eastern rural communities, Abiquiu and surrounds, Pecos and surrounds, and Deming. More detail will be available once we start implementing the work. If you'd like more information, hit our website that includes some great webinars we hosted regarding federal funding. - NM TAP: https://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/tap.shtml - NMSC: NMBBP is extremely active in especially providing analytics to the NM Student Connect Project, a multi agency collaboration that has resulted in nearly $100M applications to the Emergency Connect Fund (ECF) and the Emergency Broadband Benefit program. Data is being verified, yet preliminary stats show 44,254 connections and 114,652 devices for ECF applications alone. We've negotiated with Starlink for 911 connections of which Cuba is a part of that puzzle. In addition, a Help Desk has been implemented that includes languages in Dine, Tewa, and Spanish. To align with all of this is a Data Casting Project in partner with NM Public Television. More info at the following link - - NMSC: https://nmstudentconnect.org/ - Speed Test: We've build a front end to collect more granular information. OBAE/NMBBP is planning a first quarter statewide speedtest launch that hopefully will touch residential and business locations. - NMBBP Speed: https://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/speedtest.shtml - ROW: Part of the statuate requirements is to address ROW Permitting. NMBBP/DoIT was on the verge of implementing something years ago, yet no funding to sustain it. What worked as a bandaid during the ARRA days DoIT facilitated a project meet up. The ISPs and those impacted landowners were brought into the same room. A project overview was provided, questions aired, challenges discussed, and a commitment that the applications will not sit on a desk - move in a certain time period. We had also built an online contact applications that anyone can draw a route and a listing of contacts will be provided for download. We are talking about reviving that applications. Take a look, yet now only NM DOT and County contacts are informed and both extremely dated. The route function is not working. - ROW: http://nmbbmapping.org/rightofway/ - ISP: NMBBP pushed out a request to ISPs within New Mexico for their coverage by technology type. We have over 150 ISPs within NM, yet received only a fraction of those. However, got most of the big companies. Since we'll be putting together a "Broadband Grant Program" those data will be extremely important to plan the expenditure of resources. Those who did not provide us data, we'll download the FCC Form477 data. Hence, we may look at those data as secondary for planning. - Engagement: We are discussing a need to reingnite our community engagement strategy. Years ago we had a simple newsletter that included 1stMile. Important to reestablish that communication in hopes that constructive thinking can be realized. There is more to add, yet I wanted to respond to the rhetoric noted below that infers we are doing nothing. Lot is going on in response to the needs of our communities. Happy New Year. Gar Clarke Gar Clarke NM Geospatial Information Officer NM Broadband Project Manager Agency Tribal Liaison Department of Information Technology Simms Building 715 Alta Vista Street Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505 Email:? george.clarke at state.nm.us Desk:? 505.827-1663 Cell:? 505.690-1661 DoIT Web:? http://www.doit.state.nm.us/ GAC Web:? http://www.gac.state.nm.us NMBBP Web: https://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/index.shtml Take a Broadband Speed Test: New Mexico Broadband Program - Broadband Speed/Quality Test (state.nm.us) FOR COVID-19 INFORMATION & GUIDANCE: https://cv.nmhealth.org/ NM CORONAVIRUS HOTLINE: 1-855-600-3453 -----Original Message----- From: 1st-mile-nm <1st-mile-nm-bounces at mailman.dcn.org> On Behalf Of Akkana Peck Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2021 2:25 PM To: 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: [1st-mile-nm] US Feds to increase costs for access to Federal Land for broadband CAUTION: This email originated outside of our organization. Exercise caution prior to clicking on links or opening attachments. A web search found: https://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/ They have a map of availability of various types of broadband, which is about as reliable as such maps usually are -- who knew that most of the lower Bandelier back country had fiber? -- and a page on the Technical Assistance Program to help qualified government entities who are seeking to deploy or expand broadband infrastructure, with a soft application date of 17 October 2021 for proposals. I wonder how many proposals they actually got. They also have a link to a speed test that implies that they'll actually collect speeds and make them part of their map. So I encourage everyone to go there, https://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/speedtest.shtml even if you already know your connection speed, and especially if you have a slow link and want to make sure they include that in their data. ...Akkana Nan Rubin writes: > At the beginning of this year, the legislative session approved a > multi-million dollar allocation for a centralized broadband office, to > coordinate all these disparate interests and getting broadband > deployed, coordinating grant applications to ensure that there won't > be a lot of competition among municipalities, and so we know who's > applying for what, and to prioritize where services need to go and > direct resources in two into those areas. That was nearly a year ago. > Do we know if this office has been set up, and has a broadband czar > been named to the state of New Mexico? I haven't seen anything about > it down here in Las Cruces, no news whether this has been put in place > or whatever. So please tell us Richard, do you know if this is going > on so we can make our positions known? Thanks much! When I saw that > the money had been allocated by the state to set up the broadband > coordinating office, I was hoping it would get established pretty > quickly. Here it is a year later and no news. Maybe we need to keep > making noise to make sure that this gets done as soon as possible?... > 0 best to everyone for the new year! Nan Ruben _______________________________________________ 1st-mile-nm mailing list 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmailman.dcn.org%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2F1st-mile-nm&data=04%7C01%7Cgeorge.clarke%40state.nm.us%7C0eea2b07acdb4354772f08d9cbdae2c3%7C04aa6bf4d436426fbfa404b7a70e60ff%7C0%7C0%7C637764963245481134%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C2000&sdata=vNBRURclRPD4pAxY4kKg2KVU2yHZxcETzItHqeFCREk%3D&reserved=0 From mharris at visgence.com Thu Dec 30 15:44:08 2021 From: mharris at visgence.com (Michael Harris) Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2021 16:44:08 -0700 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] [EXTERNAL] Re: US Feds to increase costs for access to Federal Land for broadband In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Thanks for the info. To follow up on a specific point: - ROW: Part of the statuate requirements is to address ROW Permitting. > NMBBP/DoIT was on the verge of implementing something years ago, yet no > funding to sustain it. What worked as a bandaid during the ARRA days DoIT > facilitated a project meet up. The ISPs and those impacted landowners were > brought into the same room. A project overview was provided, questions > aired, challenges discussed, and a commitment that the applications will > not sit on a desk - move in a certain time period. We had also built an > online contact applications that anyone can draw a route and a listing of > contacts will be provided for download. We are talking about reviving that > applications. Take a look, yet now only NM DOT and County contacts are > informed and both extremely dated. The route function is not working. Progress in this area seems to me like the best bang/buck. I worked on a fiber project in Las Cruces several years ago that was 1000' long and had 3 separate contacts. It eventually died because applications were just sitting on desks for months, kicked back, re-submitted, and then sitting for months again. A statute or regulation saying "an application must receive a response in X days or it's automatically approved" might get people moving.... - ISP: NMBBP pushed out a request to ISPs within New Mexico for their > coverage by technology type. We have over 150 ISPs within NM, yet received > only a fraction of those. However, got most of the big companies. Since > we'll be putting together a "Broadband Grant Program" those data will be > extremely important to plan the expenditure of resources. Those who did not > provide us data, we'll download the FCC Form477 data. Hence, we may look at > those data as secondary for planning. Is there a way to find out (a) if an ISP provided info and (b) provide that info if it wasn't? I certainly missed the memo and have some info to add, maybe some others on the list do, as well. -Michael On Thu, Dec 30, 2021 at 4:26 PM Clarke, George, DoIT < george.clarke at state.nm.us> wrote: > Thank you for that Akkana and G-Day to you all: > > With regards to the dialogue below, I'll attempt to provide some clear > thinking to the assumptions and answers to your questions - > > - OBAE: The Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) is in the > construction phase that has begun with the recent hiring of an "Broadband > Advisor" to the Governor. The individual is Matt Schmit who comes to us > very qualifief for the job having been the Broadband Director for the State > of Illinois. We've had a series of meetings, and traction is happening. > > - History: We are extremely grateful that we've finally gotten some > funding and an organizational structure to implement. Some of you do not > know, yet the Department of Information Technology (DoIT) NM Broadband > Program started with a $4.7M NTIA grant with a five year term during the > ARRA Days. Following that DoIT limped the program along with temporary > funding. The only legislative recurring funding received since 2010 was > $100K. Yes, difficult for DoIT to "Do" given no cash to "Do". In 2020 $10M > was appropriated though not recurring nor for operations/staff. The 2021 > legislation lifed the shoes off the ground, and we are extremely grateful > that we've got something to work with. If interested in the 2021 > legislation, please note the following links - > - HB10: https://nmlegis.gov/Sessions/21%20Regular/final/HB0010.pdf > - SB93: https://nmlegis.gov/Sessions/21%20Regular/final/SB0093.pdf > - SB377: https://nmlegis.gov/Sessions/21%20Regular/final/SB0377.pdf > - HB285: > https://nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?Chamber=H&LegType=B&LegNo=285&year=21 > > - Projects: With the funds in hand DoIT has funded partially with match > or fully projects in Lea County, Sierra County, Cochiti Pueblo, > Jal/Carlsbad, Navajo Nation, Edgewood, and northern NM. Funds were also > allocated to prepare a NM Broadband Strategic Plan (June 2020), develop a > community broadband survey instrument, and continue our mapping program. > Note we will be expanding the Community Survey into other areas who wish it. > - NMBBP Strategic Plan: > https://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/reports/nmbbp_strategic20200616Rev2Final.pdf > - NMBBP Map: https://nmbbmapping.org/mapping/ > - Community Survey (Dona Ana): > https://www.donaanabroadband.com/?language=en > > - Other: NMBBP is also in discussion with potential projects in > Counties, Land Grants, Colonia, and Tribal Lands. > > - RFP: DoIT also pushed out a Request for Proposals to support Broadband > Planning, Grant Writing, and Infrastructure Implementation that is > available to political subdivisions. Those vendors are being used by local > entities in support of federal funding opportunities. Hit the link and > search on "Broadband". > - SPD: > https://www.generalservices.state.nm.us/state-purchasing/statewide-price-agreements/ > > - NM TAP: The NM Technical Assistance Program (NM TAP) has received ten > proposals as a response to DoIT's NM Broadband Program Request for > Information (RFI). We intend to support all of them, yet due to resource > issues we'll need to stagger them. The targeted areas include Taos, Deming, > Socorro, Santa Fe Ski Area, Silver City, Western NM rural communities, > Eastern rural communities, Abiquiu and surrounds, Pecos and surrounds, and > Deming. More detail will be available once we start implementing the work. > If you'd like more information, hit our website that includes some great > webinars we hosted regarding federal funding. > - NM TAP: https://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/tap.shtml > > - NMSC: NMBBP is extremely active in especially providing analytics to > the NM Student Connect Project, a multi agency collaboration that has > resulted in nearly $100M applications to the Emergency Connect Fund (ECF) > and the Emergency Broadband Benefit program. Data is being verified, yet > preliminary stats show 44,254 connections and 114,652 devices for ECF > applications alone. We've negotiated with Starlink for 911 connections of > which Cuba is a part of that puzzle. In addition, a Help Desk has been > implemented that includes languages in Dine, Tewa, and Spanish. To align > with all of this is a Data Casting Project in partner with NM Public > Television. More info at the following link - > - NMSC: https://nmstudentconnect.org/ > > - Speed Test: We've build a front end to collect more granular > information. OBAE/NMBBP is planning a first quarter statewide speedtest > launch that hopefully will touch residential and business locations. > - NMBBP Speed: https://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/speedtest.shtml > > - ROW: Part of the statuate requirements is to address ROW Permitting. > NMBBP/DoIT was on the verge of implementing something years ago, yet no > funding to sustain it. What worked as a bandaid during the ARRA days DoIT > facilitated a project meet up. The ISPs and those impacted landowners were > brought into the same room. A project overview was provided, questions > aired, challenges discussed, and a commitment that the applications will > not sit on a desk - move in a certain time period. We had also built an > online contact applications that anyone can draw a route and a listing of > contacts will be provided for download. We are talking about reviving that > applications. Take a look, yet now only NM DOT and County contacts are > informed and both extremely dated. The route function is not working. > - ROW: http://nmbbmapping.org/rightofway/ > > - ISP: NMBBP pushed out a request to ISPs within New Mexico for their > coverage by technology type. We have over 150 ISPs within NM, yet received > only a fraction of those. However, got most of the big companies. Since > we'll be putting together a "Broadband Grant Program" those data will be > extremely important to plan the expenditure of resources. Those who did not > provide us data, we'll download the FCC Form477 data. Hence, we may look at > those data as secondary for planning. > > - Engagement: We are discussing a need to reingnite our community > engagement strategy. Years ago we had a simple newsletter that included > 1stMile. Important to reestablish that communication in hopes that > constructive thinking can be realized. > > There is more to add, yet I wanted to respond to the rhetoric noted below > that infers we are doing nothing. Lot is going on in response to the needs > of our communities. > > Happy New Year. Gar Clarke > > > Gar Clarke > NM Geospatial Information Officer > NM Broadband Project Manager > Agency Tribal Liaison > Department of Information Technology > Simms Building > 715 Alta Vista Street > Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505 > Email: george.clarke at state.nm.us > Desk: 505.827-1663 > Cell: 505.690-1661 > DoIT Web: http://www.doit.state.nm.us/ > GAC Web: http://www.gac.state.nm.us > NMBBP Web: https://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/index.shtml > Take a Broadband Speed Test: New Mexico Broadband Program - Broadband > Speed/Quality Test (state.nm.us) > FOR COVID-19 INFORMATION & GUIDANCE: https://cv.nmhealth.org/ > NM CORONAVIRUS HOTLINE: 1-855-600-3453 > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: 1st-mile-nm <1st-mile-nm-bounces at mailman.dcn.org> On Behalf Of > Akkana Peck > Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2021 2:25 PM > To: 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: [1st-mile-nm] US Feds to increase costs for access > to Federal Land for broadband > > CAUTION: This email originated outside of our organization. Exercise > caution prior to clicking on links or opening attachments. > > A web search found: > https://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/ > > They have a map of availability of various types of broadband, which is > about as reliable as such maps usually are -- who knew that most of the > lower Bandelier back country had fiber? -- and a page on the Technical > Assistance Program to help qualified government entities who are seeking to > deploy or expand broadband infrastructure, with a soft application date of > 17 October 2021 for proposals. I wonder how many proposals they actually > got. > > They also have a link to a speed test that implies that they'll actually > collect speeds and make them part of their map. > So I encourage everyone to go there, > https://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/speedtest.shtml > even if you already know your connection speed, and especially if you have > a slow link and want to make sure they include that in their data. > > ...Akkana > > Nan Rubin writes: > > At the beginning of this year, the legislative session approved a > > multi-million dollar allocation for a centralized broadband office, to > > coordinate all these disparate interests and getting broadband > > deployed, coordinating grant applications to ensure that there won't > > be a lot of competition among municipalities, and so we know who's > > applying for what, and to prioritize where services need to go and > > direct resources in two into those areas. That was nearly a year ago. > > Do we know if this office has been set up, and has a broadband czar > > been named to the state of New Mexico? I haven't seen anything about > > it down here in Las Cruces, no news whether this has been put in place > > or whatever. So please tell us Richard, do you know if this is going > > on so we can make our positions known? Thanks much! When I saw that > > the money had been allocated by the state to set up the broadband > > coordinating office, I was hoping it would get established pretty > > quickly. Here it is a year later and no news. Maybe we need to keep > > making noise to make sure that this gets done as soon as possible?... > > 0 best to everyone for the new year! Nan Ruben > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > > https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmailman.dcn.org%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2F1st-mile-nm&data=04%7C01%7Cgeorge.clarke%40state.nm.us%7C0eea2b07acdb4354772f08d9cbdae2c3%7C04aa6bf4d436426fbfa404b7a70e60ff%7C0%7C0%7C637764963245481134%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C2000&sdata=vNBRURclRPD4pAxY4kKg2KVU2yHZxcETzItHqeFCREk%3D&reserved=0 > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > -- Michael Harris -- President, Visgence Inc. www.visgence.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From george.clarke at state.nm.us Thu Dec 30 16:00:45 2021 From: george.clarke at state.nm.us (Clarke, George, DoIT) Date: Fri, 31 Dec 2021 00:00:45 +0000 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] [EXTERNAL] Re: US Feds to increase costs for access to Federal Land for broadband In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hello Michael: With regards to ROW, totally agree. Regulating the review period will be a nice thing. An idea we had and hopefully still have is to automate the process. ROW Permitting is a big deal that has hampered many projects including delays for years. As a result funding lost. Note, most folks think DoIT is responsible for ROW, not the case. We attempt to facilitate the discussion. OBAE provides that avenue. The two state agencies that review ROW Permitting are NM Department of Transportation and the State Land Office, yet good to be inclusive of all agencies. Regarding the request for ISP Data, please find the attached. I do not see you on our ISP Distribution List that we update and maintain monthly. Appreciate under separate cover, please send me your contact info and we?ll push you onto the list that currently numbers near 600 for over 150 ISPs. Thank you, GAR From: Michael Harris Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2021 4:44 PM To: Clarke, George, DoIT Cc: 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org Subject: Re: [1st-mile-nm] [EXTERNAL] Re: US Feds to increase costs for access to Federal Land for broadband Thanks for the info. To follow up on a specific point: - ROW: Part of the statuate requirements is to address ROW Permitting. NMBBP/DoIT was on the verge of implementing something years ago, yet no funding to sustain it. What worked as a bandaid during the ARRA days DoIT facilitated a project meet up. The ISPs and those impacted landowners were brought into the same room. A project overview was provided, questions aired, challenges discussed, and a commitment that the applications will not sit on a desk - move in a certain time period. We had also built an online contact applications that anyone can draw a route and a listing of contacts will be provided for download. We are talking about reviving that applications. Take a look, yet now only NM DOT and County contacts are informed and both extremely dated. The route function is not working. Progress in this area seems to me like the best bang/buck. I worked on a fiber project in Las Cruces several years ago that was 1000' long and had 3 separate contacts. It eventually died because applications were just sitting on desks for months, kicked back, re-submitted, and then sitting for months again. A statute or regulation saying "an application must receive a response in X days or it's automatically approved" might get people moving.... - ISP: NMBBP pushed out a request to ISPs within New Mexico for their coverage by technology type. We have over 150 ISPs within NM, yet received only a fraction of those. However, got most of the big companies. Since we'll be putting together a "Broadband Grant Program" those data will be extremely important to plan the expenditure of resources. Those who did not provide us data, we'll download the FCC Form477 data. Hence, we may look at those data as secondary for planning. Is there a way to find out (a) if an ISP provided info and (b) provide that info if it wasn't? I certainly missed the memo and have some info to add, maybe some others on the list do, as well. -Michael On Thu, Dec 30, 2021 at 4:26 PM Clarke, George, DoIT > wrote: Thank you for that Akkana and G-Day to you all: With regards to the dialogue below, I'll attempt to provide some clear thinking to the assumptions and answers to your questions - - OBAE: The Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) is in the construction phase that has begun with the recent hiring of an "Broadband Advisor" to the Governor. The individual is Matt Schmit who comes to us very qualifief for the job having been the Broadband Director for the State of Illinois. We've had a series of meetings, and traction is happening. - History: We are extremely grateful that we've finally gotten some funding and an organizational structure to implement. Some of you do not know, yet the Department of Information Technology (DoIT) NM Broadband Program started with a $4.7M NTIA grant with a five year term during the ARRA Days. Following that DoIT limped the program along with temporary funding. The only legislative recurring funding received since 2010 was $100K. Yes, difficult for DoIT to "Do" given no cash to "Do". In 2020 $10M was appropriated though not recurring nor for operations/staff. The 2021 legislation lifed the shoes off the ground, and we are extremely grateful that we've got something to work with. If interested in the 2021 legislation, please note the following links - - HB10: https://nmlegis.gov/Sessions/21%20Regular/final/HB0010.pdf - SB93: https://nmlegis.gov/Sessions/21%20Regular/final/SB0093.pdf - SB377: https://nmlegis.gov/Sessions/21%20Regular/final/SB0377.pdf - HB285: https://nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?Chamber=H&LegType=B&LegNo=285&year=21 - Projects: With the funds in hand DoIT has funded partially with match or fully projects in Lea County, Sierra County, Cochiti Pueblo, Jal/Carlsbad, Navajo Nation, Edgewood, and northern NM. Funds were also allocated to prepare a NM Broadband Strategic Plan (June 2020), develop a community broadband survey instrument, and continue our mapping program. Note we will be expanding the Community Survey into other areas who wish it. - NMBBP Strategic Plan: https://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/reports/nmbbp_strategic20200616Rev2Final.pdf - NMBBP Map: https://nmbbmapping.org/mapping/ - Community Survey (Dona Ana): https://www.donaanabroadband.com/?language=en - Other: NMBBP is also in discussion with potential projects in Counties, Land Grants, Colonia, and Tribal Lands. - RFP: DoIT also pushed out a Request for Proposals to support Broadband Planning, Grant Writing, and Infrastructure Implementation that is available to political subdivisions. Those vendors are being used by local entities in support of federal funding opportunities. Hit the link and search on "Broadband". - SPD: https://www.generalservices.state.nm.us/state-purchasing/statewide-price-agreements/ - NM TAP: The NM Technical Assistance Program (NM TAP) has received ten proposals as a response to DoIT's NM Broadband Program Request for Information (RFI). We intend to support all of them, yet due to resource issues we'll need to stagger them. The targeted areas include Taos, Deming, Socorro, Santa Fe Ski Area, Silver City, Western NM rural communities, Eastern rural communities, Abiquiu and surrounds, Pecos and surrounds, and Deming. More detail will be available once we start implementing the work. If you'd like more information, hit our website that includes some great webinars we hosted regarding federal funding. - NM TAP: https://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/tap.shtml - NMSC: NMBBP is extremely active in especially providing analytics to the NM Student Connect Project, a multi agency collaboration that has resulted in nearly $100M applications to the Emergency Connect Fund (ECF) and the Emergency Broadband Benefit program. Data is being verified, yet preliminary stats show 44,254 connections and 114,652 devices for ECF applications alone. We've negotiated with Starlink for 911 connections of which Cuba is a part of that puzzle. In addition, a Help Desk has been implemented that includes languages in Dine, Tewa, and Spanish. To align with all of this is a Data Casting Project in partner with NM Public Television. More info at the following link - - NMSC: https://nmstudentconnect.org/ - Speed Test: We've build a front end to collect more granular information. OBAE/NMBBP is planning a first quarter statewide speedtest launch that hopefully will touch residential and business locations. - NMBBP Speed: https://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/speedtest.shtml - ROW: Part of the statuate requirements is to address ROW Permitting. NMBBP/DoIT was on the verge of implementing something years ago, yet no funding to sustain it. What worked as a bandaid during the ARRA days DoIT facilitated a project meet up. The ISPs and those impacted landowners were brought into the same room. A project overview was provided, questions aired, challenges discussed, and a commitment that the applications will not sit on a desk - move in a certain time period. We had also built an online contact applications that anyone can draw a route and a listing of contacts will be provided for download. We are talking about reviving that applications. Take a look, yet now only NM DOT and County contacts are informed and both extremely dated. The route function is not working. - ROW: http://nmbbmapping.org/rightofway/ - ISP: NMBBP pushed out a request to ISPs within New Mexico for their coverage by technology type. We have over 150 ISPs within NM, yet received only a fraction of those. However, got most of the big companies. Since we'll be putting together a "Broadband Grant Program" those data will be extremely important to plan the expenditure of resources. Those who did not provide us data, we'll download the FCC Form477 data. Hence, we may look at those data as secondary for planning. - Engagement: We are discussing a need to reingnite our community engagement strategy. Years ago we had a simple newsletter that included 1stMile. Important to reestablish that communication in hopes that constructive thinking can be realized. There is more to add, yet I wanted to respond to the rhetoric noted below that infers we are doing nothing. Lot is going on in response to the needs of our communities. Happy New Year. Gar Clarke Gar Clarke NM Geospatial Information Officer NM Broadband Project Manager Agency Tribal Liaison Department of Information Technology Simms Building 715 Alta Vista Street Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505 Email: george.clarke at state.nm.us Desk: 505.827-1663 Cell: 505.690-1661 DoIT Web: http://www.doit.state.nm.us/ GAC Web: http://www.gac.state.nm.us NMBBP Web: https://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/index.shtml Take a Broadband Speed Test: New Mexico Broadband Program - Broadband Speed/Quality Test (state.nm.us) FOR COVID-19 INFORMATION & GUIDANCE: https://cv.nmhealth.org/ NM CORONAVIRUS HOTLINE: 1-855-600-3453 -----Original Message----- From: 1st-mile-nm <1st-mile-nm-bounces at mailman.dcn.org> On Behalf Of Akkana Peck Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2021 2:25 PM To: 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: [1st-mile-nm] US Feds to increase costs for access to Federal Land for broadband CAUTION: This email originated outside of our organization. Exercise caution prior to clicking on links or opening attachments. A web search found: https://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/ They have a map of availability of various types of broadband, which is about as reliable as such maps usually are -- who knew that most of the lower Bandelier back country had fiber? -- and a page on the Technical Assistance Program to help qualified government entities who are seeking to deploy or expand broadband infrastructure, with a soft application date of 17 October 2021 for proposals. I wonder how many proposals they actually got. They also have a link to a speed test that implies that they'll actually collect speeds and make them part of their map. So I encourage everyone to go there, https://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/speedtest.shtml even if you already know your connection speed, and especially if you have a slow link and want to make sure they include that in their data. ...Akkana Nan Rubin writes: > At the beginning of this year, the legislative session approved a > multi-million dollar allocation for a centralized broadband office, to > coordinate all these disparate interests and getting broadband > deployed, coordinating grant applications to ensure that there won't > be a lot of competition among municipalities, and so we know who's > applying for what, and to prioritize where services need to go and > direct resources in two into those areas. That was nearly a year ago. > Do we know if this office has been set up, and has a broadband czar > been named to the state of New Mexico? I haven't seen anything about > it down here in Las Cruces, no news whether this has been put in place > or whatever. So please tell us Richard, do you know if this is going > on so we can make our positions known? Thanks much! When I saw that > the money had been allocated by the state to set up the broadband > coordinating office, I was hoping it would get established pretty > quickly. Here it is a year later and no news. Maybe we need to keep > making noise to make sure that this gets done as soon as possible?... > 0 best to everyone for the new year! Nan Ruben _______________________________________________ 1st-mile-nm mailing list 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmailman.dcn.org%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2F1st-mile-nm&data=04%7C01%7Cgeorge.clarke%40state.nm.us%7C0eea2b07acdb4354772f08d9cbdae2c3%7C04aa6bf4d436426fbfa404b7a70e60ff%7C0%7C0%7C637764963245481134%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C2000&sdata=vNBRURclRPD4pAxY4kKg2KVU2yHZxcETzItHqeFCREk%3D&reserved=0 _______________________________________________ 1st-mile-nm mailing list 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm -- Michael Harris -- President, Visgence Inc. www.visgence.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: NMBB_Data_Request_Email_2021_signed.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 174123 bytes Desc: NMBB_Data_Request_Email_2021_signed.pdf URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: NMBBP_Data_Request_Template_2021_final.xlsx Type: application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet Size: 1113343 bytes Desc: NMBBP_Data_Request_Template_2021_final.xlsx URL: From cohill at designnine.com Fri Dec 31 06:08:09 2021 From: cohill at designnine.com (Andrew Cohill) Date: Fri, 31 Dec 2021 14:08:09 +0000 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] [EXTERNAL] Re: US Feds to increase costs for access to Federal Land for broadband In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: In one of our ongoing fiber to the home build outs, we are dealing with a municipality rather than a state highway department. We are continually frustrated at the permit approval process. Even for very simple projects (e.g. 1/2 mile of ROW in a residential neighborhood), it always takes at least two weeks to get it approved, and can often stretch out to 6 to 8 weeks, which plays havoc with our construction schedule. Municipal staff go on vacation without telling anyone, or attend week long "training" classes out of town, then return to tell us they are "backed up" and will try to get to our permit "real soon." Andrew ______________________ Andrew Cohill, Ph.D. President WideOpen Networks, Inc. www.wideopennetworks.us 540-951-2150 ________________________________ From: 1st-mile-nm <1st-mile-nm-bounces at mailman.dcn.org> on behalf of Clarke, George, DoIT Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2021 7:00 PM To: Michael Harris ; 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org <1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> Subject: Re: [1st-mile-nm] [EXTERNAL] Re: US Feds to increase costs for access to Federal Land for broadband Hello Michael: With regards to ROW, totally agree. Regulating the review period will be a nice thing. An idea we had and hopefully still have is to automate the process. ROW Permitting is a big deal that has hampered many projects including delays for years. As a result funding lost. Note, most folks think DoIT is responsible for ROW, not the case. We attempt to facilitate the discussion. OBAE provides that avenue. The two state agencies that review ROW Permitting are NM Department of Transportation and the State Land Office, yet good to be inclusive of all agencies. Regarding the request for ISP Data, please find the attached. I do not see you on our ISP Distribution List that we update and maintain monthly. Appreciate under separate cover, please send me your contact info and we?ll push you onto the list that currently numbers near 600 for over 150 ISPs. Thank you, GAR From: Michael Harris Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2021 4:44 PM To: Clarke, George, DoIT Cc: 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org Subject: Re: [1st-mile-nm] [EXTERNAL] Re: US Feds to increase costs for access to Federal Land for broadband Thanks for the info. To follow up on a specific point: - ROW: Part of the statuate requirements is to address ROW Permitting. NMBBP/DoIT was on the verge of implementing something years ago, yet no funding to sustain it. What worked as a bandaid during the ARRA days DoIT facilitated a project meet up. The ISPs and those impacted landowners were brought into the same room. A project overview was provided, questions aired, challenges discussed, and a commitment that the applications will not sit on a desk - move in a certain time period. We had also built an online contact applications that anyone can draw a route and a listing of contacts will be provided for download. We are talking about reviving that applications. Take a look, yet now only NM DOT and County contacts are informed and both extremely dated. The route function is not working. Progress in this area seems to me like the best bang/buck. I worked on a fiber project in Las Cruces several years ago that was 1000' long and had 3 separate contacts. It eventually died because applications were just sitting on desks for months, kicked back, re-submitted, and then sitting for months again. A statute or regulation saying "an application must receive a response in X days or it's automatically approved" might get people moving.... - ISP: NMBBP pushed out a request to ISPs within New Mexico for their coverage by technology type. We have over 150 ISPs within NM, yet received only a fraction of those. However, got most of the big companies. Since we'll be putting together a "Broadband Grant Program" those data will be extremely important to plan the expenditure of resources. Those who did not provide us data, we'll download the FCC Form477 data. Hence, we may look at those data as secondary for planning. Is there a way to find out (a) if an ISP provided info and (b) provide that info if it wasn't? I certainly missed the memo and have some info to add, maybe some others on the list do, as well. -Michael On Thu, Dec 30, 2021 at 4:26 PM Clarke, George, DoIT > wrote: Thank you for that Akkana and G-Day to you all: With regards to the dialogue below, I'll attempt to provide some clear thinking to the assumptions and answers to your questions - - OBAE: The Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) is in the construction phase that has begun with the recent hiring of an "Broadband Advisor" to the Governor. The individual is Matt Schmit who comes to us very qualifief for the job having been the Broadband Director for the State of Illinois. We've had a series of meetings, and traction is happening. - History: We are extremely grateful that we've finally gotten some funding and an organizational structure to implement. Some of you do not know, yet the Department of Information Technology (DoIT) NM Broadband Program started with a $4.7M NTIA grant with a five year term during the ARRA Days. Following that DoIT limped the program along with temporary funding. The only legislative recurring funding received since 2010 was $100K. Yes, difficult for DoIT to "Do" given no cash to "Do". In 2020 $10M was appropriated though not recurring nor for operations/staff. The 2021 legislation lifed the shoes off the ground, and we are extremely grateful that we've got something to work with. If interested in the 2021 legislation, please note the following links - - HB10: https://nmlegis.gov/Sessions/21%20Regular/final/HB0010.pdf - SB93: https://nmlegis.gov/Sessions/21%20Regular/final/SB0093.pdf - SB377: https://nmlegis.gov/Sessions/21%20Regular/final/SB0377.pdf - HB285: https://nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?Chamber=H&LegType=B&LegNo=285&year=21 - Projects: With the funds in hand DoIT has funded partially with match or fully projects in Lea County, Sierra County, Cochiti Pueblo, Jal/Carlsbad, Navajo Nation, Edgewood, and northern NM. Funds were also allocated to prepare a NM Broadband Strategic Plan (June 2020), develop a community broadband survey instrument, and continue our mapping program. Note we will be expanding the Community Survey into other areas who wish it. - NMBBP Strategic Plan: https://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/reports/nmbbp_strategic20200616Rev2Final.pdf - NMBBP Map: https://nmbbmapping.org/mapping/ - Community Survey (Dona Ana): https://www.donaanabroadband.com/?language=en - Other: NMBBP is also in discussion with potential projects in Counties, Land Grants, Colonia, and Tribal Lands. - RFP: DoIT also pushed out a Request for Proposals to support Broadband Planning, Grant Writing, and Infrastructure Implementation that is available to political subdivisions. Those vendors are being used by local entities in support of federal funding opportunities. Hit the link and search on "Broadband". - SPD: https://www.generalservices.state.nm.us/state-purchasing/statewide-price-agreements/ - NM TAP: The NM Technical Assistance Program (NM TAP) has received ten proposals as a response to DoIT's NM Broadband Program Request for Information (RFI). We intend to support all of them, yet due to resource issues we'll need to stagger them. The targeted areas include Taos, Deming, Socorro, Santa Fe Ski Area, Silver City, Western NM rural communities, Eastern rural communities, Abiquiu and surrounds, Pecos and surrounds, and Deming. More detail will be available once we start implementing the work. If you'd like more information, hit our website that includes some great webinars we hosted regarding federal funding. - NM TAP: https://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/tap.shtml - NMSC: NMBBP is extremely active in especially providing analytics to the NM Student Connect Project, a multi agency collaboration that has resulted in nearly $100M applications to the Emergency Connect Fund (ECF) and the Emergency Broadband Benefit program. Data is being verified, yet preliminary stats show 44,254 connections and 114,652 devices for ECF applications alone. We've negotiated with Starlink for 911 connections of which Cuba is a part of that puzzle. In addition, a Help Desk has been implemented that includes languages in Dine, Tewa, and Spanish. To align with all of this is a Data Casting Project in partner with NM Public Television. More info at the following link - - NMSC: https://nmstudentconnect.org/ - Speed Test: We've build a front end to collect more granular information. OBAE/NMBBP is planning a first quarter statewide speedtest launch that hopefully will touch residential and business locations. - NMBBP Speed: https://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/speedtest.shtml - ROW: Part of the statuate requirements is to address ROW Permitting. NMBBP/DoIT was on the verge of implementing something years ago, yet no funding to sustain it. What worked as a bandaid during the ARRA days DoIT facilitated a project meet up. The ISPs and those impacted landowners were brought into the same room. A project overview was provided, questions aired, challenges discussed, and a commitment that the applications will not sit on a desk - move in a certain time period. We had also built an online contact applications that anyone can draw a route and a listing of contacts will be provided for download. We are talking about reviving that applications. Take a look, yet now only NM DOT and County contacts are informed and both extremely dated. The route function is not working. - ROW: http://nmbbmapping.org/rightofway/ - ISP: NMBBP pushed out a request to ISPs within New Mexico for their coverage by technology type. We have over 150 ISPs within NM, yet received only a fraction of those. However, got most of the big companies. Since we'll be putting together a "Broadband Grant Program" those data will be extremely important to plan the expenditure of resources. Those who did not provide us data, we'll download the FCC Form477 data. Hence, we may look at those data as secondary for planning. - Engagement: We are discussing a need to reingnite our community engagement strategy. Years ago we had a simple newsletter that included 1stMile. Important to reestablish that communication in hopes that constructive thinking can be realized. There is more to add, yet I wanted to respond to the rhetoric noted below that infers we are doing nothing. Lot is going on in response to the needs of our communities. Happy New Year. Gar Clarke Gar Clarke NM Geospatial Information Officer NM Broadband Project Manager Agency Tribal Liaison Department of Information Technology Simms Building 715 Alta Vista Street Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505 Email: george.clarke at state.nm.us Desk: 505.827-1663 Cell: 505.690-1661 DoIT Web: http://www.doit.state.nm.us/ GAC Web: http://www.gac.state.nm.us NMBBP Web: https://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/index.shtml Take a Broadband Speed Test: New Mexico Broadband Program - Broadband Speed/Quality Test (state.nm.us) FOR COVID-19 INFORMATION & GUIDANCE: https://cv.nmhealth.org/ NM CORONAVIRUS HOTLINE: 1-855-600-3453 -----Original Message----- From: 1st-mile-nm <1st-mile-nm-bounces at mailman.dcn.org> On Behalf Of Akkana Peck Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2021 2:25 PM To: 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: [1st-mile-nm] US Feds to increase costs for access to Federal Land for broadband CAUTION: This email originated outside of our organization. Exercise caution prior to clicking on links or opening attachments. A web search found: https://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/ They have a map of availability of various types of broadband, which is about as reliable as such maps usually are -- who knew that most of the lower Bandelier back country had fiber? -- and a page on the Technical Assistance Program to help qualified government entities who are seeking to deploy or expand broadband infrastructure, with a soft application date of 17 October 2021 for proposals. I wonder how many proposals they actually got. They also have a link to a speed test that implies that they'll actually collect speeds and make them part of their map. So I encourage everyone to go there, https://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/speedtest.shtml even if you already know your connection speed, and especially if you have a slow link and want to make sure they include that in their data. ...Akkana Nan Rubin writes: > At the beginning of this year, the legislative session approved a > multi-million dollar allocation for a centralized broadband office, to > coordinate all these disparate interests and getting broadband > deployed, coordinating grant applications to ensure that there won't > be a lot of competition among municipalities, and so we know who's > applying for what, and to prioritize where services need to go and > direct resources in two into those areas. That was nearly a year ago. > Do we know if this office has been set up, and has a broadband czar > been named to the state of New Mexico? I haven't seen anything about > it down here in Las Cruces, no news whether this has been put in place > or whatever. So please tell us Richard, do you know if this is going > on so we can make our positions known? Thanks much! When I saw that > the money had been allocated by the state to set up the broadband > coordinating office, I was hoping it would get established pretty > quickly. Here it is a year later and no news. Maybe we need to keep > making noise to make sure that this gets done as soon as possible?... > 0 best to everyone for the new year! Nan Ruben _______________________________________________ 1st-mile-nm mailing list 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmailman.dcn.org%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2F1st-mile-nm&data=04%7C01%7Cgeorge.clarke%40state.nm.us%7C0eea2b07acdb4354772f08d9cbdae2c3%7C04aa6bf4d436426fbfa404b7a70e60ff%7C0%7C0%7C637764963245481134%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C2000&sdata=vNBRURclRPD4pAxY4kKg2KVU2yHZxcETzItHqeFCREk%3D&reserved=0 _______________________________________________ 1st-mile-nm mailing list 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm -- Michael Harris -- President, Visgence Inc. www.visgence.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From editorsteve at gmail.com Fri Dec 31 06:36:48 2021 From: editorsteve at gmail.com (Steve Ross) Date: Fri, 31 Dec 2021 09:36:48 -0500 Subject: [1st-mile-nm] [EXTERNAL] Re: US Feds to increase costs for access to Federal Land for broadband In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: It is an old story, Andrew, as you know. Many municipalities are badly run. Some large cities like NYC are also badly run. The latest Reconnect money came with an incentive for muni ownership of new deployments-- which I find foolish. Many municipalities can build. Many can obstruct others ( as Andrew, who has been in the game longer than anyone knows). But many cannot. Many municipalities are run by great people. Many will never root out the lazy among city hall staff. Some like NYC burn piles of $100 bills because they can't burn singles fast enough. Steve On Fri, Dec 31, 2021, 9:08 AM Andrew Cohill wrote: > In one of our ongoing fiber to the home build outs, we are dealing with a > municipality rather than a state highway department. > > We are continually frustrated at the permit approval process. Even for > very simple projects (e.g. 1/2 mile of ROW in a residential neighborhood), > it always takes at least two weeks to get it approved, and can often > stretch out to 6 to 8 weeks, which plays havoc with our construction > schedule. > > Municipal staff go on vacation without telling anyone, or attend week long > "training" classes out of town, then return to tell us they are "backed up" > and will try to get to our permit "real soon." > > Andrew > > > ______________________ > Andrew Cohill, Ph.D. > President > WideOpen Networks, Inc. > www.wideopennetworks.us > 540-951-2150 > > ------------------------------ > *From:* 1st-mile-nm <1st-mile-nm-bounces at mailman.dcn.org> on behalf of > Clarke, George, DoIT > *Sent:* Thursday, December 30, 2021 7:00 PM > *To:* Michael Harris ; 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org < > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org> > *Subject:* Re: [1st-mile-nm] [EXTERNAL] Re: US Feds to increase costs for > access to Federal Land for broadband > > > Hello Michael: > > > > With regards to ROW, totally agree. Regulating the review period will be a > nice thing. An idea we had and hopefully still have is to automate the > process. ROW Permitting is a big deal that has hampered many projects > including delays for years. As a result funding lost. Note, most folks > think DoIT is responsible for ROW, not the case. We attempt to facilitate > the discussion. OBAE provides that avenue. The two state agencies that > review ROW Permitting are NM Department of Transportation and the State > Land Office, yet good to be inclusive of all agencies. > > > > Regarding the request for ISP Data, please find the attached. I do not see > you on our ISP Distribution List that we update and maintain monthly. > Appreciate under separate cover, please send me your contact info and we?ll > push you onto the list that currently numbers near 600 for over 150 ISPs. > > > > Thank you, GAR > > > > *From:* Michael Harris > *Sent:* Thursday, December 30, 2021 4:44 PM > *To:* Clarke, George, DoIT > *Cc:* 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > *Subject:* Re: [1st-mile-nm] [EXTERNAL] Re: US Feds to increase costs for > access to Federal Land for broadband > > > > Thanks for the info. To follow up on a specific point: > > - ROW: Part of the statuate requirements is to address ROW Permitting. > NMBBP/DoIT was on the verge of implementing something years ago, yet no > funding to sustain it. What worked as a bandaid during the ARRA days DoIT > facilitated a project meet up. The ISPs and those impacted landowners were > brought into the same room. A project overview was provided, questions > aired, challenges discussed, and a commitment that the applications will > not sit on a desk - move in a certain time period. We had also built an > online contact applications that anyone can draw a route and a listing of > contacts will be provided for download. We are talking about reviving that > applications. Take a look, yet now only NM DOT and County contacts are > informed and both extremely dated. The route function is not working. > > > Progress in this area seems to me like the best bang/buck. I worked on a > fiber project in Las Cruces several years ago that was 1000' long and had 3 > separate contacts. It eventually died because applications were just > sitting on desks for months, kicked back, re-submitted, and then sitting > for months again. A statute or regulation saying "an application must > receive a response in X days or it's automatically approved" might get > people moving.... > > - ISP: NMBBP pushed out a request to ISPs within New Mexico for their > coverage by technology type. We have over 150 ISPs within NM, yet received > only a fraction of those. However, got most of the big companies. Since > we'll be putting together a "Broadband Grant Program" those data will be > extremely important to plan the expenditure of resources. Those who did not > provide us data, we'll download the FCC Form477 data. Hence, we may look at > those data as secondary for planning. > > > Is there a way to find out (a) if an ISP provided info and (b) provide > that info if it wasn't? I certainly missed the memo and have some info to > add, maybe some others on the list do, as well. > > > > -Michael > > > > On Thu, Dec 30, 2021 at 4:26 PM Clarke, George, DoIT < > george.clarke at state.nm.us> wrote: > > Thank you for that Akkana and G-Day to you all: > > With regards to the dialogue below, I'll attempt to provide some clear > thinking to the assumptions and answers to your questions - > > - OBAE: The Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) is in the > construction phase that has begun with the recent hiring of an "Broadband > Advisor" to the Governor. The individual is Matt Schmit who comes to us > very qualifief for the job having been the Broadband Director for the State > of Illinois. We've had a series of meetings, and traction is happening. > > - History: We are extremely grateful that we've finally gotten some > funding and an organizational structure to implement. Some of you do not > know, yet the Department of Information Technology (DoIT) NM Broadband > Program started with a $4.7M NTIA grant with a five year term during the > ARRA Days. Following that DoIT limped the program along with temporary > funding. The only legislative recurring funding received since 2010 was > $100K. Yes, difficult for DoIT to "Do" given no cash to "Do". In 2020 $10M > was appropriated though not recurring nor for operations/staff. The 2021 > legislation lifed the shoes off the ground, and we are extremely grateful > that we've got something to work with. If interested in the 2021 > legislation, please note the following links - > - HB10: https://nmlegis.gov/Sessions/21%20Regular/final/HB0010.pdf > > - SB93: https://nmlegis.gov/Sessions/21%20Regular/final/SB0093.pdf > > - SB377: https://nmlegis.gov/Sessions/21%20Regular/final/SB0377.pdf > > - HB285: > https://nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?Chamber=H&LegType=B&LegNo=285&year=21 > > > - Projects: With the funds in hand DoIT has funded partially with match > or fully projects in Lea County, Sierra County, Cochiti Pueblo, > Jal/Carlsbad, Navajo Nation, Edgewood, and northern NM. Funds were also > allocated to prepare a NM Broadband Strategic Plan (June 2020), develop a > community broadband survey instrument, and continue our mapping program. > Note we will be expanding the Community Survey into other areas who wish it. > - NMBBP Strategic Plan: > https://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/reports/nmbbp_strategic20200616Rev2Final.pdf > - NMBBP Map: https://nmbbmapping.org/mapping/ > > - Community Survey (Dona Ana): > https://www.donaanabroadband.com/?language=en > > > - Other: NMBBP is also in discussion with potential projects in > Counties, Land Grants, Colonia, and Tribal Lands. > > - RFP: DoIT also pushed out a Request for Proposals to support Broadband > Planning, Grant Writing, and Infrastructure Implementation that is > available to political subdivisions. Those vendors are being used by local > entities in support of federal funding opportunities. Hit the link and > search on "Broadband". > - SPD: > https://www.generalservices.state.nm.us/state-purchasing/statewide-price-agreements/ > > - NM TAP: The NM Technical Assistance Program (NM TAP) has received ten > proposals as a response to DoIT's NM Broadband Program Request for > Information (RFI). We intend to support all of them, yet due to resource > issues we'll need to stagger them. The targeted areas include Taos, Deming, > Socorro, Santa Fe Ski Area, Silver City, Western NM rural communities, > Eastern rural communities, Abiquiu and surrounds, Pecos and surrounds, and > Deming. More detail will be available once we start implementing the work. > If you'd like more information, hit our website that includes some great > webinars we hosted regarding federal funding. > - NM TAP: https://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/tap.shtml > > - NMSC: NMBBP is extremely active in especially providing analytics to > the NM Student Connect Project, a multi agency collaboration that has > resulted in nearly $100M applications to the Emergency Connect Fund (ECF) > and the Emergency Broadband Benefit program. Data is being verified, yet > preliminary stats show 44,254 connections and 114,652 devices for ECF > applications alone. We've negotiated with Starlink for 911 connections of > which Cuba is a part of that puzzle. In addition, a Help Desk has been > implemented that includes languages in Dine, Tewa, and Spanish. To align > with all of this is a Data Casting Project in partner with NM Public > Television. More info at the following link - > - NMSC: https://nmstudentconnect.org/ > > > - Speed Test: We've build a front end to collect more granular > information. OBAE/NMBBP is planning a first quarter statewide speedtest > launch that hopefully will touch residential and business locations. > - NMBBP Speed: https://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/speedtest.shtml > > - ROW: Part of the statuate requirements is to address ROW Permitting. > NMBBP/DoIT was on the verge of implementing something years ago, yet no > funding to sustain it. What worked as a bandaid during the ARRA days DoIT > facilitated a project meet up. The ISPs and those impacted landowners were > brought into the same room. A project overview was provided, questions > aired, challenges discussed, and a commitment that the applications will > not sit on a desk - move in a certain time period. We had also built an > online contact applications that anyone can draw a route and a listing of > contacts will be provided for download. We are talking about reviving that > applications. Take a look, yet now only NM DOT and County contacts are > informed and both extremely dated. The route function is not working. > - ROW: http://nmbbmapping.org/rightofway/ > > > - ISP: NMBBP pushed out a request to ISPs within New Mexico for their > coverage by technology type. We have over 150 ISPs within NM, yet received > only a fraction of those. However, got most of the big companies. Since > we'll be putting together a "Broadband Grant Program" those data will be > extremely important to plan the expenditure of resources. Those who did not > provide us data, we'll download the FCC Form477 data. Hence, we may look at > those data as secondary for planning. > > - Engagement: We are discussing a need to reingnite our community > engagement strategy. Years ago we had a simple newsletter that included > 1stMile. Important to reestablish that communication in hopes that > constructive thinking can be realized. > > There is more to add, yet I wanted to respond to the rhetoric noted below > that infers we are doing nothing. Lot is going on in response to the needs > of our communities. > > Happy New Year. Gar Clarke > > > Gar Clarke > NM Geospatial Information Officer > NM Broadband Project Manager > Agency Tribal Liaison > Department of Information Technology > Simms Building > 715 Alta Vista Street > Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505 > Email: george.clarke at state.nm.us > Desk: 505.827-1663 > Cell: 505.690-1661 > DoIT Web: http://www.doit.state.nm.us/ > > GAC Web: http://www.gac.state.nm.us > > NMBBP Web: https://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/index.shtml > Take a Broadband Speed Test: New Mexico Broadband Program - Broadband > Speed/Quality Test (state.nm.us > > ) > FOR COVID-19 INFORMATION & GUIDANCE: https://cv.nmhealth.org/ > > NM CORONAVIRUS HOTLINE: 1-855-600-3453 > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: 1st-mile-nm <1st-mile-nm-bounces at mailman.dcn.org> On Behalf Of > Akkana Peck > Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2021 2:25 PM > To: 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: [1st-mile-nm] US Feds to increase costs for access > to Federal Land for broadband > > CAUTION: This email originated outside of our organization. Exercise > caution prior to clicking on links or opening attachments. > > A web search found: > https://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/ > > They have a map of availability of various types of broadband, which is > about as reliable as such maps usually are -- who knew that most of the > lower Bandelier back country had fiber? -- and a page on the Technical > Assistance Program to help qualified government entities who are seeking to > deploy or expand broadband infrastructure, with a soft application date of > 17 October 2021 for proposals. I wonder how many proposals they actually > got. > > They also have a link to a speed test that implies that they'll actually > collect speeds and make them part of their map. > So I encourage everyone to go there, > https://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/speedtest.shtml > even if you already know your connection speed, and especially if you have > a slow link and want to make sure they include that in their data. > > ...Akkana > > Nan Rubin writes: > > At the beginning of this year, the legislative session approved a > > multi-million dollar allocation for a centralized broadband office, to > > coordinate all these disparate interests and getting broadband > > deployed, coordinating grant applications to ensure that there won't > > be a lot of competition among municipalities, and so we know who's > > applying for what, and to prioritize where services need to go and > > direct resources in two into those areas. That was nearly a year ago. > > Do we know if this office has been set up, and has a broadband czar > > been named to the state of New Mexico? I haven't seen anything about > > it down here in Las Cruces, no news whether this has been put in place > > or whatever. So please tell us Richard, do you know if this is going > > on so we can make our positions known? Thanks much! When I saw that > > the money had been allocated by the state to set up the broadband > > coordinating office, I was hoping it would get established pretty > > quickly. Here it is a year later and no news. Maybe we need to keep > > making noise to make sure that this gets done as soon as possible?... > > 0 best to everyone for the new year! Nan Ruben > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > > https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmailman.dcn.org%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2F1st-mile-nm&data=04%7C01%7Cgeorge.clarke%40state.nm.us%7C0eea2b07acdb4354772f08d9cbdae2c3%7C04aa6bf4d436426fbfa404b7a70e60ff%7C0%7C0%7C637764963245481134%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C2000&sdata=vNBRURclRPD4pAxY4kKg2KVU2yHZxcETzItHqeFCREk%3D&reserved=0 > > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > > > > > > -- > > Michael Harris > > -- > > President, Visgence Inc. > > www.visgence.com > > _______________________________________________ > 1st-mile-nm mailing list > 1st-mile-nm at mailman.dcn.org > http://mailman.dcn.org/mailman/listinfo/1st-mile-nm > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... 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