New Mexico's Delegation Weighs in on National Broadband Plan

In early February, New Mexico's delegation to Congress sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski urging that the FCC's National Broadband Plan "clearly supports broadband for all." The letter points out that New Mexico ranks 46th among all states in the percentage of Internet users. And 20 of New Mexico's 33 counties are considered medically underserved. The large distances between New Mexican towns and cities require individuals in those communities to use the Internet to access healthcare information and services, pursue higher educationa1 opportunities, learn about economic and employment opportunities, and stay connected to families.

In early May, Chairman Genachowski wrote back to each member of the delegation individually saying that the broadband plan provides a comprehensive strategy for connecting all corners of the nation while transforming the economy and society with the communication network of the future -- robust affordable, and high- peed Internet. The Plan provides specific recommendations to tackle serious challenge of global competitiveness by pursuing a world-leading broadband infrastructure for the United States, which will be an enduring engine for job creation and economic growth. In this respect, the FCC evaluating public, private, and cooperative effort of all sorts and is considering short, medium and long-term action to improve universal service programs. The FCC is also assessing the experience with the Rural Health Care program to refine such initiatives to expand affordable broadband connectivity more effectively. Through these programs and other efforts, the FCC hopes to close the gap on universal broadband availability and adoption.