Broadband Internet Access

Broadband Internet Access is the first non-nutrition-based Last Mile Essential (LME) our underserved communities must have in order to cross the chasm of the digital divide. Compared to well-served communities, members of the underserved community rely heavily on Broadband Internet Access—as high as 65% in some instances. Broadband Internet Access is essential. During “normal” days in prior years, the “FCC report[ed] that nearly 70% of teachers assign homework that requires broadband access.”

Underserved communities are largely comprised of low income, urban residents. Within this group, 49% report having income well below levels considered to be impoverished in the United States. With the Federal minimum wage increases as low as $0.08/hour to as high as $1.50/hour in the state of New Mexico, a typical family of four (4) earning on average, $26,600/year, will have little or no resources to meet the high cost of Broadband Internet Access which, depending upon connection and service area limitations, may cost as much as $70/mo. or $840/year. (a significant percentage a family’s net income)

Last Miles’ leading LME is Broadband Internet Access. We work with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) directly and provide this essential resource to underserved communities. Last Miles does not duplicate efforts already set in place by Federal mandate, requiring ISPs to set-aside bandwidth for new and existing customers who qualify for public assistance. We supplement those efforts when feasible; however, Last Miles’ focus, households and families that do not qualify for public assistance, have income and through no fault of their own, cannot afford the high cost of Broadband Internet Access. Last Miles targets households and families that fall between the cracks.

With your support, the support of our partners, Last Mile sponsors and Last Miles volunteers, we’re able to close the digital divide by partnering with ISPs to provide LME services to households and families desperately in need of Broadband Internet Access.