Rural Broadband Problems in New Mexico

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December 18, 2020 – Gene Grant and The Line opinion panelists debate problems with rural broadband in New Mexico. Plaintiffs in the ongoing Yazzie/Martinez educational lawsuit have asked for a court order to require the state to provide computers and high-speed internet access to at-risk students. A new round of federal funding promises to inject $165 million into the state over the next decade, but is it enough? And can it be spent efficiently, or will New Mexico fall into past pitfalls in its lackluster efforts to bring vital infrastructure to its citizens? 

Host: Gene Grant  

The Line Opinion Panel:     
Merritt Allen, Vox Optima  
Dede Feldman, former state senator   
Serge Martinez, professor, UNM School of Law  
Laura Sanchez, attorney   

For More Information: 
Yazzie Plaintiffs Ask Court to Order State to Provide Students Computers and Internet Access – NM Center on Law and Poverty 
NM Delegation Hails $165 Million Grant Funding to Expand Rural Broadband Access  – Office of Senator Tom Udall 
Grants-Based Continental Divide Electric Co-Op Secures $38 Million Broadband Grant – Albuquerque Business First 
Getting ‘Redi’ to Connect – Albuquerque Journal