[1st-mile-nm] ENMR/Plateau Update

[Richard Lowenberg]

 From the NTIA BTOP web site:

 ENMR-Plateau Middle Mile

 http://www2.ntia.doc.gov/grantees/ENMR

 The ENMR-Plateau Middle Mile project intends to enhance broadband 
 capabilities for critical community anchor institutions in eastern New 
 Mexico and west Texas by lighting a more than 1,600-mile ring of fiber 
 and constructing 74 miles of new fiber in five communities. The project 
 plans to connect more than 200 anchor institutions – including 
 educational institutions, public safety organizations, healthcare 
 facilities, and government agencies – at speeds of up to 1 Gbps. In 
 addition, the network intends to offer wholesale services and facilitate 
 broadband expansion to an estimated 20 communities and an area with 
 nearly 700,000 homes, over 36,000 businesses, and 263 anchor 
 institutions.

 On January 21, 2011, the ENMR Telephone Cooperative (ENMR) began laying 
 74 miles of new fiber in two of the five communities where it will 
 deploy broadband service as a result of a BTOP grant. Extending through 
 eastern New Mexico and west Texas, the network will bring broadband 
 connections to more than 200 underserved anchor institutions, increasing 
 Internet access speeds to 1Gbps at educational institutions, public 
 safety organizations, healthcare facilities, and government agencies.

 In all five markets, ENMR will provide new broadband fiber and 
 connectivity service, delivering Internet at discounted rates to local 
 rural schools, state agencies, and other anchor facilities. This new 
 network will also expand distance learning opportunities for students at 
 schools and libraries at rural areas.

 As of March 2011, BTOP funds have allowed ENMR to install more than 29 
 miles of new fiber. ENMR has already negotiated its construction 
 contracts and permits with equipment vendors and expects to start 
 construction on the remaining three market areas by mid-May 2011. ENMR 
 estimates it will complete construction on the entire project by January 
 2012. For more information about the organization and the project, visit 
 www.enmr.com .

 Last Updated: June 2, 2011.




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 Richard Lowenberg
 1st-Mile Institute
 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504
 505-989-9110 / 505-603-5200
 www.1st-mile.com
 rl at 1st-mile.com
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