[1st-mile-nm] NM DOT Steps in to Assist in Broadband Expansion

[Richard Lowenberg]

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.



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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
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