High-speed internet is a must across New Mexico

New Mexico has had a significant footprint in the continued growth of the online marketplace because of one man dubbed by his peers as the “wizard in the desert.” When New Mexico native Jared Tarbell helped start the vastly successful e-commerce website “Etsy” from his apartment near UNM, he demonstrated the opportunities that exist when communities are connected to the internet.

Unfortunately, too much of New Mexico is facing a digital divide that leaves 68 percent of New Mexicans living in rural and tribal communities without access to an internet connection — which renders them unable to take part in the opportunities that exist on the world wide web. It’s also tied their hand in their efforts to attract, retain and expand businesses.

When your internet speeds match those of developing nations like Iraq and Moldova, you know there is a problem. This problem also signaled a huge chance to reinvigorate local economies and help push New Mexico into the 21st Century.

One of the greatest accomplishments this past legislative session was passing an expansive package geared at connecting New Mexicans in every corner of the state to high-speed internet.

Legislators from both sides of the aisle came together to pass common-sense improvements to help connect families and businesses. I was proud to sponsor two bills which have now been signed into law that will open the door to major internet infrastructure expansion in parts of the state that need it the most.

After years of attempts, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 53, which cuts red-tape that has prevented internet providers from investing in needed internet infrastructure as they look to expand into rural communities. As technology changes and makes traditional land lines obsolete, we need to ensure we have a framework to bring our communities along.

That’s also why we also revamped the existing Universal Service Fund in Senate Bill 308 to help make broadband attainable for all New Mexico families by creating a dedicated broadband fund.

Other measures look to enlist local governments as change agents in the effort to connect their communities. House Bill 60 by Rep. Carl Trujillo, D-Santa Fe, and Sen. Jacob Candelaria, D-Albuquerque, will reduce the costs of broadband network construction by allowing local government-broadband provider partnerships.

Unfortunately, despite receiving nearunanimous support in the Legislature, Gov. Martinez tried to veto another bill I sponsored that would have allowed local governments to raise the funds necessary to bring high speed internet to their communities. Local governments may still be able to use this option moving forward because (lawmakers have filed a petition with the state Supreme Court, arguing) her veto attempt did not meet the constitutional requirements.

New Mexico suffers from the worst unemployment in the nation; it is critical we find creative ways to expand jobs. Broadband access will allow communities to grow small, local businesses while also being a viable option for businesses who want to come here but are worried about sufficient internet connection.

Etsy is now a publicly traded company that boasts over 28 million active buyers and $2.84 billion in annual gross merchandise sales. It’s an example of what can be done when we begin to recognize that high-speed internet is not a luxury; it’s a necessary tool for economic growth.