New Mexico prepares to roll out new ACP-like program

New Mexico is soliciting public comment as it prepares to roll out a statewide broadband affordability program. The program, dubbed the Low‑Income Telecommunications Assistance Program, is the first statewide initiative to offer a similar type of support as the Affordable Connectivity Program, which ran out of federal funding in 2024. The state officially established its affordability program via legislation—Senate Bill 152 (SB152)—sponsored by Senate Majority Whip Michael Padilla and cosponsored by State Representatives Pamelya Herndon and Debra Sariñana, all Democrats, and signed into law in March. The program, which is being spearheaded by New Mexico's Office of Broadband Access and Expansion, officially took effect July 1 and will begin enrolling participants in December, following a rulemaking proceeding the state is kicking off now.