New Mexico enacts $30 monthly broadband subsidy for low income residents in 25 days
Mar 3rd 2026
New Mexico lawmakers fast-tracked SB 152 to create LITAP, a state-run program that will offer up to $30 per month to eligible low-income households for broadband starting in July and funded by the state universal service fund.
- Senate Bill 152, the Low-Income Telecommunications Assistance Program, was filed Jan 26, passed the legislature by Feb 12 with a 38-0 Senate vote, and went to the governor for signature in a 25-day process.
- The program authorizes the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission to provide up to $30 per month to qualified low-income households for internet service.
- LITAP goes live in July and is expected to cost about $10 million in its first year and about $42 million annually thereafter.
- Funding will come from the state universal service fund collected through a roughly $1.50 fee on existing telecom services, not from general tax revenue.
- The law is framed as a state-level replacement for the federal Affordable Connectivity Program, which provided $30 monthly discounts to more than 23 million people before ending in late 2024.
- A Brattle Group analysis cited by lawmakers estimated the federal ACP generated far more economic benefits than its $7 billion to $8 billion annual cost, including multibillion dollar gains in earnings and savings.
- The law empowers the PRC to run the program, reflecting state action to address broadband affordability after federal program termination.