NM internet company to expand rural services after being denied by state

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – The pandemic exposed just how bad internet access is in many parts of New Mexico. However, when a local internet firm wanted to expand service last year, a state agency denied their request. New Mexico Surf offers wireless internet and says their current system on Sandia Crest is overloaded.

Last year, the New Mexico Department of Transportation denied their permit to build roadside utility poles for projects that would have expanded service in the east mountains. “That would cover the entire Sandia Park area that would allow us to give 100-meg service which a lot of the consumers only have maybe 5 meg, 10 meg with the current century local exchange carrier,” says Albert Caatnach, New Mexico Surf president.

“With the pandemic of course it became all too clear that we really need this for work for school and so what can we do,” says Floyd Vasquez, Bernalillo County communication services specialist.

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