CONNECT NM News:

SANTA FE — New Mexico students and rural communities will gain improved internet access after Gov. Lujan Grisham signed the bipartisan Broadband for Education bill (SB401), transferring the Statewide Education Network (SEN) to the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE).

“This law ensures all New Mexico students have high-quality broadband while helping schools secure federal funding,” Information Technology Secretary and OBAE Acting Director Manny Barreras said. “It will leverage more school-related broadband programs, improving connectivity for surrounding rural communities.”

The new law transfers all SEN staff, funds, projects and operations from the Public School Facilities Authority (PSFA) to the state’s broadband office, streamlining management and enhancing statewide internet resilience. Since OBAE already oversees SEN operations, the transition will be seamless.

SEN’s broadband infrastructure program, launched in July 2024, has already connected dozens of schools through its network. This high-tech initiative allows students and teachers to share classes, resources and services, with plans to connect all New Mexico schools by 2027.

The new law also expands middle-mile broadband infrastructure for SEN, benefitting broadband providers, schools and students, while creating backup communications capacity in emergencies throughout the state.

Sen. Michael Padilla, Majority Whip, Sen. Nicole Tobiassen, Reps. Debra Sarinana, Tara Lujan and Joy Garratt co-sponsored the legislation.