# Four States Expand Broadband Affordability Programs

Connecticut, New York, Oregon, and New Mexico are using state measures to sustain affordable broadband service as federal assistance has narrowed since the Affordable Connectivity Program ended in 2024. Connecticut’s low-cost plan requirement took effect October 1, 2026, and New Mexico plans to begin enrollment in late 2026, with up to $10 million in initial funding and authority for up to $45 million annually after the first year. No active solicitation or contract award is identified; however, Connecticut’s law may apply to providers doing business with state agencies through procurement contracts.

- Broadband providers and contractors should assess how state rules affect eligible service prices and speeds, participation conditions, and subsidy reimbursement.
- Companies pursuing state broadband grants should account for affordability policies that may affect grant scoring and program eligibility.
- New Mexico’s planned late-2026 enrollment and funding authorization may create opportunities for providers supporting affordable service, although the signals identify no specific procurement or application deadline.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure, Regulatory Compliance, Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 14, 2026

### Government Entities
- Connecticut General Assembly
- New York State Legislature
- Oregon Public Utility Commission (Oregon PUC)
- New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion
- National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)

### Vendors
- Peñasco Valley Telephone Cooperative (Broadband service provider)

### Sources
- [As Federal Priorities Shift, States Boost Broadband Affordability | The Pew Charitable Trusts](https://www.pew.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2026/10/13/as-federal-priorities-shift-states-boost-broadband-affordability) - The Pew Charitable Trusts
- [Broadband Policy Cornerstone: Affordability | The Pew Charitable Trusts](https://www.pew.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2026/10/14/broadband-policy-cornerstone-affordability) - The Pew Charitable Trusts