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Committee backs redirect of rural universal service dollars toward broadband (SB126)
Summary
The committee gave a due pass to a bill that would shift rural universal service fund dollars toward broadband; bill sponsor and business groups supported it while some smaller carriers opposed removing an eligible‑telecommunications‑carrier designation in the amendment.
The committee voted unanimously to give a due pass to the Senate bill that would direct rural universal service funds toward broadband projects and modernize the eligibility language accompanying those funds.
The sponsor explained the bill’s intent as part of a multi‑year effort to bolster broadband investment, noting past changes increased available funding from roughly $18 million to $30 million and that the current step would further prioritize broadband: “These funds… almost 98% of them are used only in rural New Mexico for our rural telecommunications carriers. We all know that broadband is extremely important outside of the metro areas because it brings economic development, job creation, telehealth, telemedicine, and distance learning,” the senator said.
Supporters included the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce. JD Bollington of the chamber testified: “Quality affordable broadband is very important to the economic health and development of our state… this bill will provide opportunities for distance learning and telehealth.”
A trade group for smaller carriers, the New Mexico Exchange Carrier Group, and its executive director said an amendment that struck the “eligible telecommunications carrier” (ETC) designation changed the bill’s effect and prompted the group to change its support to opposition. Jay Santianas told the committee the ETC designation is “very important to the New Mexico Exchange Carrier Group” and that removing it altered their position.
After brief discussion the committee adopted a motion to give the bill a due pass; the clerk recorded the final tally as 10 votes yes, 0 votes no. The sponsor agreed to continue technical work with carriers before the next committee stop.
