OBAE News:
LORDSBURG — Nearly 400 rural students in the Lordsburg Municipal Schools now have access to high-speed internet after a state-funded broadband project completed construction in one of New Mexico’s rural communities.
The Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) awarded Transworld Network LLC (TWN Communications) a $1.5 million Student Connect grant to build broadband infrastructure, connecting 395 rural student households and staff in the Lordsburg Municipal Schools District.
“Rural communities are too often left behind when it comes to affordable, high-speed internet,” said Jeff Lopez, director of OBAE. “The delivery of this project will change student lives in the Lordsburg area. With broadband, they can do homework online, apply to colleges or have access to learning resources when they leave school.”
TWN Communications constructed wireless towers, fixed wireless infrastructure and receivers to reach student homes in hard-to-reach parts of Hidalgo County. OBAE awarded the grant in November 2025.
“The completion of this project ensures every Lordsburg Municipal Schools student has access to fast, reliable home internet,” said Dr. Steve Lucas, superintendent of Lordsburg Municipal Schools. “We are very grateful to the state and TWN Communications for their commitment to our students and our community.”
“This broadband initiative reflects our commitment to the people of Lordsburg, especially students and their families who rely on strong connectivity for education,” said Justin Donaldson, COO at TWN Communications. “Reliable, high-speed internet empowers households, supports local businesses, and helps the entire community thrive.”
This is the second Student Connect grant OBAE has awarded to TWN Communications. The provider is also delivering fixed wireless service to nearly 500 student households in Silver City through a separate $1.5 million grant.
Student Connect dollars come from OBAE’s Connect New Mexico Fund, established in 2021 through the Connect New Mexico Act. Lawmakers appropriated $25 million for public school projects, and in the fall of 2024, OBAE created the Student Connect program.
Eligible Lordsburg households can sign up for service here.