CONNECT NM News:
ALBUQUERQUE – The Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) announced today a $2,395,072 grant awarded to Santa Fe-based NM Surf, Inc. to deliver high-speed internet access to rural students and school staff.
This funding represents the latest investment through OBAE’s $25 million Student Connect program, specifically addressing the critical disadvantages faced by rural students without home internet access. The nearly $2.4 million award is expected to connect 250 rural students through the Santa Fe Public project.
“This project, funded by our Student Connect program, is truly a life-changer for these students,” said Richard Govea OBAE’s Project Manager Bureau Chief. “We are ensuring that students across the state who are unable to access the internet at home get connected. Student Connect is an integral part of this connectivity that’s helping students succeed in school and in life.”
The grant will fund the construction of towers and fixed wireless service and provide receivers for designated student homes through the Santa Fe Public project. Participating students and staff will receive three years of complimentary internet service.
The NM Surf, Inc award marks OBAE’s 11th Student Connect grant, bringing total disbursement to $21,849,010 from the Connect New Mexico Fund. More than $3.1 million remains available. OBAE actively encourages applications from schools and internet service providers.
Projects must be completed by June 30, 2026. Applications remain open with no deadline, requiring only that proposals meet program criteria.
The Connect New Mexico Fund was established by the Legislature in 2021 through the Connect New Mexico Act.