New Mexico achieves significant improvements to school connectivity, surpasses national average for student bandwidth
Santa Fe, New Mexico (January 31, 2021) – New Mexico state and school district leaders have made huge strides in their efforts to improve school connectivity across the state, according to data published by nonprofit Connected Nation through its Connect K-12 program website.
“We are determined to equip New Mexico’s K-12 students with all the tools they need to succeed, even in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, and that includes digital tools and internet access,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “We are leaving no potential funding source untapped, and we will continue to work with our partners in the private sector to strengthen our information technology infrastructure well into the future.”
“The problem of internet access, so critical for education during this pandemic, is not new to New Mexico and will not be resolved entirely in one year,” Public Education Secretary Ryan Stewart said. “Nevertheless, with the help of our partners, we have been able to put thousands of digital devices into the hands of New Mexico students who lacked them, and we have expanded internet access and quality of access across the state. This work will continue until every child has what is needed to succeed academically. That is our commitment.”
The state made a huge leap in school internet connectivity from 2019 to 2020.
The number of school districts meeting or exceeding the federally recommended goal of 1 Mbps per student increased from 38% to 57%—a 19 percentage point improvement in a single year’s time. You can find an overview of the state’s school district connectivity here: https://connectk12.org/states/NM.
“Not only has New Mexico made great strides in improving classroom connectivity but the state is now exceeding the national average for bandwidth per student,” said Emily Jordan, Vice President, Connect K-12. “While just 47% of school districts nationwide are meeting the 1 Mbps per student goal set by the Federal Communications Commission, 57% of New Mexico school districts are doing so. Such speeds make it possible for digital learning to take place in every classroom, every day. What’s even more exciting is there is a huge opportunity make even more improvements in 2021 as school districts revisit their internet contracts.”
The Connect K-12 website is a FREE tool that can help school district and state leaders more easily and effectively negotiate better internet pricing and reach their connectivity goals. The Connect K-12 website aggregates, analyzes, and visualizes E-rate data within seconds so leaders have all the information they need by simply entering their school district or state. To learn more head to https://connectk12.org/.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Denson, Communications Director
(502) 341-2024
jdenson@connectednation.org
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About Connected Nation: Our mission is to improve lives by providing innovative solutions that expand access to and increase the adoption and use of broadband (high-speed internet) and its related technologies for all people. Everyone belongs in a Connected Nation.
Connected Nation works with consumers, local community leaders, states, technology providers, and foundations to develop and implement technology expansion programs with core competencies centered on a mission to improve digital inclusion for people and places previously underserved or overlooked. For more information please visit connectednation.org and follow Connected Nation on Facebook and Twitter.
About Funds For Learning: Funds For Learning® is a professional firm specializing in the federal E-rate funding program. Its mission is to provide high-quality consulting and support services for the needs of E-rate program participants, including preparing and submitting paperwork, and helping clients to understand and maintain compliance with E-rate rules and regulations. Proudly serving schools and libraries since 1997. For more information please visit https://www.fundsforlearning.com/.