Santa Fe hopes to boost Internet speed, compete with new line

Santa Fe (NM) residents pay the same average monthly rate for Internet service as Albuquerque residents, but can only browse the Web at half the speed.

A $1 million city project aims to close that gap. The money will fund an independent pipeline to the Internet in an effort city officials hope will increase competition and drive up Internet speeds.

But some Internet providers aren’t happy with the project or the way the city sidestepped open bidding in awarding the contract. One of the state’s largest Internet providers questions whether the project is needed or will promote the diversity of providers sought by city officials. Another company threatened litigation before backing down.

City officials are undeterred. And ordinary consumers and businesses who rely on the Internet say anything that improves the city’s plodding Web speeds is welcome.