State Broadband Office Argues Expensive And Slow Rural Internet Rollout Worth Long Term Benefit While Critics See Exclusion Of Satellite As A Big Hole

Expansion of high speed internet access to rural New Mexico has been agonizingly slow and ultra expensive as the state ranks near the bottom in the nation when it comes to rural households fully wired. That's not news. But the foot dragging by the state when it comes to fairly weighing every available option to improve access is noteworthy.

The latest comes from Kelly Schlegel, director of the NM Office of Broadband Access and Expansion, who says the state is entirely wedded to extending expensive fiber to hard to reach households as she rules out satellite internet that is now widely available, calling it unreliable and a "shortchanging" of  rural New Mexicans.

Let's take a look at her argument:       

Many “less expensive” alternatives that critics suggest our rural neighbors should accept without complaint simply aren’t viable options for reliable internet in every circumstance, whereas the $40 million in federal grants for Fiber to the Premises (FTTP) represents a significant step forward in bridging the digital divide and ensuring access for all New Mexicans. 

Our take: Critics are not asking rural residents to "accept without complaint" anything. They want the Broadband Office to consider every tool in the toolbox--satellite delivery being the most obvious. 

Rather than waiting years more for access, this would be a viable alternative for many and doesn't preclude the eventual extension of fiber. The federal affordable connectivity program that provides a $30 a month subsidy for low income households to help pay for broadband is also available for high speed satellite delivery--not only cable or mobile who are awarded millions in state and federal contracts for broadband expansion. 

More from Director Schlegel:

While the initial investment in FTTP-based broadband infrastructure may seem high, it’s important to consider the long-term benefits and cost effectiveness. Fiber-optic technology is a future-proof investment that provides the most reliable solution for broadband connectivity. Unlike alternative technologies including satellite and aerial-based systems — which have their place among a checkerboard landscape of options, depending on various factors — FTTP offers faster speeds, lower latency and greater capacity for handling increased data traffic as demand grows. 

The cost of fiber may "seem high?" Darn right it is. From our April 4 blog:

Western New Mexico Telephone Company Inc. is getting $24 million to provide high-speed internet to 206 people, five businesses and five farms in Catron County. Peñasco Valley Telephone Cooperative Inc. is getting $13.9 million to provide high-speed internet to 550 people, 11 businesses and 48 farms in Chaves, Eddy, Otero and Lincoln counties. E.N.M.R. Telephone Cooperative is getting $2.6 million to provide high-speed internet to a farm and 27 people in De Baca, Guadalupe, Harding, Quay, San Miguel, Socorro and Union counties. 

We don't have a precise breakdown but let's say that's around 1,000 total people for the $40 million. That works out to roughly $40,000 per person. 

Satellite can be had relatively cheaply and there is little infrastructure cost. For many households who are not utterly dependent on broadband for their income or medical needs it is a logical way to fill the internet gap until fiber can be extended faster and hopefully cheaper.

SNAIL'S PACE

Kelly Schlegel

Schlegel says:

Additionally, alternative technologies may require more frequent upgrades or maintenance, leading to higher costs over time. Fiber-optic networks have proven durability and longevity, providing a more cost-effective long-term solution. With rapidly evolving technology and increased reliance on high speed internet for work, education and health care, FTTP ensures rural communities will not be left behind.

Correct. But it's the Broadband Office who want rural New Mexicans to grin and bear it as the snail's pace rollout of fiber drags on and on. That's the real shortchanging going on.

Yesterday it was NM Voices for Children telling the state brighter days are right around the corner when it comes to child well-being, even as we continue to rank last in the nation. Today it is the state broadband bureaucracy wedded to a tunnel vision that values the people of tomorrow more than those in need today. 

A simple tweak to state policy would position satellite internet as an exceedingly welcome alternative that would immediately improve the daily lives of thousands of rural New Mexicans in need. The state can encourage adoption and subsidize service for those who can't afford it. Let's get on with it.

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