The New Mexico Office of Broadband Access & Expansion (OBAE) issued a press release that announced the creation of what they are calling the Minimum Digital Living Standard (MDLS). OBAE has opened a proceeding that will accept public comments until December 9, asking for comments on how it should establish an MDLS.
As a reminder, New Mexico is the only state that has funded a broadband subsidy program that largely mimics the expired federal Affordable Connectivity Plan (ACP). OBAE is asking how it should set the minimum broadband benchmark for every home in the state.
The question of setting a minimum digital living standard highlights some of the serious digital gaps in the state. New Mexico is a diverse state with diverse populations, challenging topography, and many languages. There are a significant number of Tribal areas in the state. According to OBAE, 23% of New Mexicans lack a desktop or laptop computer. 38.4% of New Mexicans live in rural areas. 26.5% face language barriers. 42% of households struggle to afford basic daily necessities, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
OBAE recognizes in its questions that many daily essentials have moved online and that the average family now also needs to worry about issues like cybersecurity, privacy, and consumer protection.
OBAE suggests that the definition of a minimum digital living standard should consider all of the following factors:
Access and Equipment:
- Affordable, reliable internet
- Adequate devices
Functional Knowledge and Skills
- Setting up and configuring devices
- Doing tasks online
- Managing devices and connections
Critical Knowledge and Skills
- Evaluating online content and information
- Evaluating what to share online
- Managing safety, security and privacy
- Maintaining digital balance
OBAE wants to incorporate the MDLS into its current 2026-2028 three-year plan. The state’s goal is to have “a fully connected New Mexico where every community has universal access to affordable, high-quality, future-ready broadband, while honoring the state’s diversity and rich heritage, strengthening opportunity, propelling future technologies, and elevating quality of life for every resident.”
This is an interesting goal, because it’s a very different approach than the FCC arbitrarily declaring that the only definition of good broadband is a connection that delivers a speed of 100/20 Mbps. While the OBAE definition will likely include a speed target, it is also going to include goals for affordability and for digital inclusion issues like the availability of devices and the knowledge of how to use them.