Raton groundbreaking for fiber project connecting Raton to high-speed internet. Courtesy/OBAE

OBAE News:

RATON — The New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) joined Resound Networks yesterday to break ground on a fiber project that will connect 1,370 Raton homes and businesses to high-speed internet.

Resound Networks received a $3.1 million Connect New Mexico Fund grant to construct 30 miles of fiber to unserved and underserved locations in Colfax County. The project will connect 1,137 homes, 133 businesses, 89 farms, and 11 community anchors such as hospitals, fire departments and libraries.

“This project demonstrates how public-private partnerships can close the digital divide in rural New Mexico, bringing economic development and telehealth opportunities to Raton families,” Jeff Lopez said, OBAE director.

Resound Networks has another Connect New Mexico Fund grant broadband project planned in Colfax County that will connect more than 1,000 locations using fixed wireless service. OBAE has awarded Resound Networks nearly $20 million in Connect New Mexico Fund grants forbroadband infrastructure across the state.

All Connect New Mexico Fund projects must be completed by June 2026. The fund was established in 2021 through the Connect New Mexico Act.