The following summary has been condensed for length and readability. To listen to the full discussion, click here. This episode is sponsored by ETI Software and VETRO FiberMap.
Access to high-speed broadband is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. From remote work and education to healthcare and economic development, reliable internet access plays a critical role in ensuring communities can thrive. However, in many cities across the U.S., broadband access remains uneven, leaving underserved populations without the digital tools they need to succeed.
In a recent episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Brad Hine sat down with Catherine Nicolaou, Broadband Program Manager for the City of Albuquerque, to discuss how her city is taking bold steps to expand broadband access, promote digital equity, and foster a competitive broadband marketplace. As the first person to hold this role in Albuquerque, Catherine’s work is setting a precedent for how municipal governments can take proactive steps in broadband infrastructure planning.
The City of Albuquerque created its first broadband manager position to take charge of connectivity challenges across the metro area. Catherine Nicolaou stepped into this role as a policy advocate, industry liaison, and digital equity champion, ensuring that broadband infrastructure investments truly benefit the entire community.
Before the pandemic, the city had already taken steps to provide public Wi-Fi in various locations such as community centers, libraries, parks, and senior centers. However, the pandemic made it clear that these efforts needed to be significantly expanded.
“During the pandemic, broadband access was more than just an issue of convenience—it became a necessity for education, healthcare, and staying connected with loved ones,” Catherine explained. “The city of Albuquerque responded by ramping up efforts to provide free Wi-Fi in public spaces and exploring long-term strategies to improve access citywide.”
Beyond digital inclusion, Catherine highlights how broadband expansion is a key driver of economic development. Cities with robust broadband infrastructure attract new businesses, create job opportunities, and support industries that rely on high-speed internet.
Albuquerque has seen increased interest from private broadband providers, several of whom have begun constructing fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) networks across the city. These projects are not only bringing faster internet speeds to residents but also creating local jobs in the telecom and construction industries.
“We now have three fiber providers actively building networks in Albuquerque,” Catherine shared. “This is what I like to call the Super Bowl of fiber deployment—multiple companies competing to build out infrastructure and bring high-speed broadband to homes and businesses.”
One of the most pressing challenges in broadband deployment is ensuring that access is equitable. Catherine explains that digital redlining—a practice where service providers invest in wealthier areas while neglecting lower-income neighborhoods—was a major concern in Albuquerque.
Her office took a firm stance on the issue, requiring broadband providers to serve all communities fairly.
“When providers approached us about accessing city infrastructure, we said, ‘We understand you want to build here, but we need to have a digital equity conversation first,’” Catherine explained. “Some companies were surprised because they hadn’t heard this from other cities. But in Albuquerque, we are making sure that broadband investments don’t exclude lower-income areas.”
Albuquerque also supports a grassroots approach to digital literacy and inclusion. Catherine co-chairs the New Mexico Digital Equity & Inclusion Working Group, which has grown to include over 80 organizations working to improve digital skills training, affordable device programs, and broadband adoption efforts.
“We can spend millions laying fiber, but if people don’t know how to use the technology or can’t afford the service, then we haven’t truly solved the problem,” she said.
Albuquerque is home to diverse tribal communities, including the Isleta Pueblo, Sandia Pueblo, Laguna Pueblo, and the Navajo Nation. While broadband expansion has made significant strides in the city, tribal areas still face unique challenges in connectivity.
Catherine emphasized that tribal sovereignty plays a critical role in broadband deployment, and success requires strong partnerships and trust-building with local communities.
“Working with tribal nations is not about imposing solutions—it’s about listening, supporting, and respecting their sovereignty,” Catherine explained. “We’re seeing great progress in tribal-led broadband projects, such as fiber-to-the-home deployments in the Isleta and Laguna Pueblos.”
The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program has been a major source of federal funding for broadband expansion across the U.S. However, Albuquerque faced an initial challenge—when the FCC broadband maps were released, they showed no eligible areas in the city for BEAD funding.
This was a frustrating oversight, given Albuquerque’s 16.5% poverty rate and clear broadband gaps.
“Local officials and community members knew firsthand that many areas lacked reliable broadband,” Catherine said. “After continued advocacy, the latest FCC map updates have identified some eligible areas in the city, and we’re hopeful that this will lead to more funding opportunities.”
So, what’s next for Albuquerque’s broadband expansion? Catherine envisions a future where broadband is both highly competitive and highly accessible.
Key goals include:
One of the biggest unknowns is how the broadband market will evolve over time. With three fiber providers currently building networks, consolidation is likely in the future—but Catherine hopes that any changes will still prioritize competition and consumer choice.
For Catherine, broadband isn’t just a policy issue—it’s a personal mission. She shared a powerful story about her father, who dedicated his career to expanding rural telecom services in New Mexico.
“My father started his own rural local exchange carrier because he saw a critical need in tribal areas,” she shared. “His work inspired me to always focus on service and impact. Broadband isn’t just about speeds and networks—it’s about people, communities, and opportunity.”
Albuquerque’s broadband initiatives offer a valuable model for other cities looking to improve connectivity, close the digital divide, and support economic growth.
By taking a bold stance on digital equity, fostering strong partnerships, and prioritizing community needs, the city is setting a new standard for municipal broadband leadership.
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