LAS CRUCES – A federal effort to help more than 68,000 low-income households in New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District pay their internet bills is beginning to wind down.
This comes after Congress did not renew funding for the pandemic relief package known as the Affordable Connectivity Program.
In New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District, which covers much of southern New Mexico, 42% of eligible homes (approximately 68,400 units) received subsidies, according to a dashboard compiled by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. ing. According to the Federal Communications Commission, about 27 million households nationwide are enrolled in the program, which provides eligible families up to $30 a month ($75 a month on tribal lands) toward internet subscriptions.
“One of the biggest concerns for broadband stations right now is the termination of the ACP,” said Drew Lovelace, acting director of the state Broadband Access Extension Agency. “This is one of the most important funds created to support digital equity. It looks like it’s going to run out of money in April. Congress isn’t reinvesting in it.”
In early February, the Federal Communications Commission began winding down the program by halting new enrollments. Those who registered before February 8 will continue to receive the subsidy until funds run out (scheduled for April). However, those who do not register by the deadline will no longer be able to register, even if they were previously eligible.
According to the Congressional District Health Dashboard, just over 60% of households in the 2nd Congressional District have access to high-speed internet connectivity, meaning there are many households without access. This creates a barrier for residents trying to connect to schools, jobs, business, and health care opportunities.
An October 2023 survey by Benenson Strategy Group and cable TV and communications company Comcast found that ACP participants across the country expressed deep concerns about potentially losing access to the program. Approximately 95% of respondents said they have difficulty balancing household expenses. Other findings include:
- 65% of ACP participants fear losing their job or household’s main source of income
- 75% of ACP participants fear losing access to critical health services such as online appointments and prescription refills
- 81% of ACP parents are worried about their children falling behind in school
- 79% of ACP participants worry about losing the social connections they have developed through the internet
bridging the digital gap
There are several major aspects of New Mexico’s digital divide. One is the lack of high-speed internet infrastructure in many places, especially rural and low-income areas. But the other thing is that even in places with more robust infrastructure, many families and individuals cannot afford to pay for the internet among competing demands such as rent, utilities, and groceries. is. That’s where affordable connectivity programs have advanced.
On tribal lands, families could receive up to $75 a month for internet subscriptions. Lovelace said there are 24 additional zones in the state that are considered “high-cost” service areas where families and individuals can also qualify for up to $75 a month. As long as the provider or company signs up to participate through the FCC, the payments could go towards cell phone-based internet or other types of connectivity.
The termination of ACP comes at a time when families in southern New Mexico are struggling with rising costs for housing, groceries, and other living costs.
During the pandemic, Las Cruces Public Schools students and their families have benefited from a combination of affordable connectivity programs and special internet access deals from Comcast Xfinity, Las Cruces’ leading cable and internet provider. Ta. The company provided Internet to families for about $10 a month, but when you factor in ACP, the Internet was effectively free to many families.
Notice to ACP registrants
If you are a participant in the Affordable Connections Program, what does termination mean for you?
Households enrolled in ACP will continue to receive discounted monthly internet rates.
The FCC says as long as you enroll in the program and remain eligible, you will be able to receive service until funding ends, likely in April.
During the ACP termination period, ACP households will receive notification from their internet company about how the termination of benefits will affect the household’s bills and services.of
Notifications tell Internet users that:
- that the ACP is terminated;
- Impact on your bill;
- The date of your last invoice with ACP benefits and the ability to change services or opt out of continued service after ACP ends.
- ACP households can also switch internet plans without penalty.
Will New Mexico intervene?
State broadband officials had previously discussed the possibility of seeking funding from New Mexico lawmakers to continue the program with SNMJC. However, the state broadband authority did not pursue the proposal during the legislative session that ended on February 15th.
But Loveless said New Mexico will likely funnel much of its impending federal funding grant for digital equity into continuing the program. The state has not yet received any digital equity funding, but is in the process of finalizing a plan that would be a precursor to receiving funding.
Digital equity funding is quite large, but it will eventually run dry. Lovelace said a rough estimate of the total cost to fund New Mexico’s current ACP enrollment levels is approximately $5.4 million per month, or That’s about $64 million a year.
“The state will try to look at what we can do, but we don’t have enough funding to continue doing that indefinitely,” Lovelace said.
It’s unclear when, if ever, a state version of the program will be released.
Broadband Expansion and Access Authority spokeswoman Alison Riley said there’s still a chance Congress could choose to act and fund an affordable connectivity program.
New Mexico delegation seeks renewal of ACP
Members of New Mexico’s congressional delegation expressed support for extending the ACP. But some observers say the proposal faces an uphill battle.
Congressman Gabe Vasquez, who represents New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District, said he supports the federal measure, called the Affordable Connections Program Extension Act of 2024. He said in his newsletter that this is “critical to securing funding to ensure continued access for New Mexico families.” Affordable high-speed internet. ”
Of New Mexico’s three congressional districts, the 2nd District has the highest percentage of homes eligible to participate in ACP. According to the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, the numbers are as follows.
- House District 1: 138,055 households targeted. 47,261 people registered (participation rate 34%)
- House District 2: 162,359 households targeted. 68,400 people registered (participation rate 42%)
- 3rd Congressional District: Applicable to 158,900 homes. 57,906 people registered (36% participation rate)
Last fall, Sen. Martin Heinrich (D.M.) and Ben Ray Lujan (D.M.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, along with other senators urged Congressional leaders on the ACP. Signed a letter asking for funding to be extended.
Diana Alba Soular is a project manager and editor for the Southern New Mexico Journalism Collaborative, covering COVID-19 and pandemic recovery from a solutions reporting perspective. For more information, visit SouthNMnews.org or SurNMnoticias.org.
