STATE News:
ALBUQUERQUE — New Mexico achieved the largest year-over-year increase in broadband speeds nationally, with 20.5% more residents now accessing high-speed internet of 100/20 Mbps or faster, according to Speedtest by Ookla data comparing the last six months of 2023 to the last half of 2024.
“The boost shows that more New Mexicans are achieving higher, more reliable broadband speeds,” Jeff Lopez said, director of the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE). “This is a great sign of progress in our mission for wider and faster connectivity.”
The speed increases are happening across the state for several reasons: more homes and businesses are gaining access to faster internet through new development, fiber technology is being prioritized for new broadband locations offering better latency and better-quality high-speed internet, and more New Mexicans are understanding that greater speeds are available.
Areas experiencing the greatest improvements include:
South Santa Fe saw a 73% boost likely due to new development, with service provided by cable (Xfinity) and fixed wireless (NMSurf).
Rural Chaparral in Dona Aña and Otero counties experienced a 52% increase with five providers offering licensed fixed wireless, cable, and fiber broadband.
Navajo Nation areas north of Gallup around Coyote Canyon saw a 40% increase, while Navajo/Ramah south of Gallup saw 33% improvement, served by Choice Broadband, Ethos, and Oso Internet Solutions.
The percentage of New Mexicans with high-speed internet is expected to rise even more during the next few years.
The 100/20 Mbps speed is considered strong internet speed for most household needs, well suited for home devices, streaming videos, online gaming and other internet programs.