Broadband providers, lawmakers discuss obstacles to expanding internet service

When John Brown’s internet company in Albuquerque learned that one of his competitors was digging a trench to install cable downtown, he asked to share the cost.

Brown’s CityLink Telecommunications is planning a 20-mile fiber-optic loop from downtown to Mesa del Sol, a new development west of the Albuquerque International Sunport. He thought the cost-sharing would benefit his company, his competitor and the city of Albuquerque, which wants to expand internet service to residents.

The other company rejected his request. That lack of cooperation was one example of problems cited to state lawmakers Thursday who serve on the Science, Technology and Telecommunications Committee and are faced with the challenge of extending broadband internet service in New Mexico.

In a rural state with multiple governments and tribal jurisdictions, right-of-way issues remain the biggest obstacles when data providers want to lay cable and extend services in New Mexico, many told lawmakers.

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