New Mexico, West Texas Score Broadband Grant

Washington, February 25, 2010 – The Commerce Department on Wednesday announced an $11.2 million grant to bring broadband to eastern New Mexico and parts of Texas. The grant aims to help bring high-speed Internet access to more than 200 institutions such as schools, healthcare facilities and governme

Washington, February 25, 2010 – The Commerce Department on Wednesday announced an $11.2 million grant to bring broadband to eastern New Mexico and parts of Texas.

The grant aims to help bring high-speed Internet access to more than 200 institutions such as schools, healthcare facilities and government agencies.

“Over the last 10 years, America has gone from being a world leader in Internet penetration to now lagging in that effort, and as a state, New Mexico sadly falls towards the bottom of that list,” said Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.). “I am proud this Recovery award will help develop the needed broadband infrastructure in New Mexico that will help enable teleheath services, distance learning programs and attract future businesses and jobs to our state.”

The investment will enable ENMR Telephone Cooperative to boost broadband Internet capabilities in eastern New Mexico and West Texas by providing a 1,600-mile ring of fiber.

The project also will expand distance-learning opportunities for students in rural areas and increase connectivity to a telehealth network running through New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado.