CONNECT NM News:
SANTA FE — Today, the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) has announced that 39 separate organizations have applied for the Promoting Internet Needs of New Mexicans (PINON) grant.
This federal grant is a digital needs award designed to promote the idea that everyone should have access to the internet, devices, digital training and skills to participate in today’s ever-changing technological world.
OBAE plans to award more than $7.3 million that’s available through the PINON grants. The applications totaled more than $14 million. PINON grants will range from $25,000 to $500,000 to support subgrantees in enhancing their digital needs programs.
“Digital access and inclusion are an inherent part of success in our society,” said Neala Krueger, OBAE’s digital equity coordinator. “These funds will ensure more New Mexicans not only have access to broadband, but have the necessary digital training, skills and devices to use the internet safely and make a positive impact in their lives.”
The PINON grant applicants are geographically representative, covering all of New Mexico’s regions.
The grants may only be used toward digital inclusion activities. They include digital skills training, device distribution, digital technical support, and capacity-building.
Entities that were eligible to apply for PINON grants include:
- Municipal, county, and regional governments
- Tribal governments and Tribal-led entities
- Community-based organizations, non-profits, and foundations
- Higher education institutions
- State agencies and institutions
To receive an award, subgrantees must engage individuals from one or more of eight covered populations identified in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021.
These include:
- Households with incomes below 150% of the poverty line
- Seniors
- Veterans
- Individuals with disabilities
- Individuals facing language barriers
- Members of racial and ethnic minority groups
- Residents who live in rural areas
- Incarcerated individuals
More than 90% of New Mexicans are included in one or more of these categories.
OBAE is now reviewing the PINON grant applications and is expected to announce provisional awards this summer.
OBAE must submit selected projects to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) by Aug. 31, 2025, and projects are subject to NTIA final approval.