STATE News:

• • • • • Funds will go to infrastructure projects in six counties and two pueblos

ALBUQUERQUE—Today, the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) announced it has awarded more than $15 million in grants to entities through the state’s Connect New Mexico Fund to go toward deploying broadband infrastructure. 

The eight grants were awarded to Resound Networks, an internet service provider based in Pampa, Texas, and the Pueblos of Tesuque and Laguna.  

The newly awarded grants total $15,440,719. 

Resound Networks received awards for six broadband infrastructure projects. Those projects are in Luna, Sierra, San Miguel, Colfax, Chavez and Eddy counties. The Pueblo of Laguna received $4.86 million, the largest grant for a single project in this latest round of awards. The Pueblo of Tesuque was given $1.26 million. 

The awards will lead to broadband infrastructure that will connect more than 4,600 homes, businesses, farms and other locations in unserved and underserved areas. An underserved location is one that does not have access to broadband speeds of at least 100Mbps download and 20 Mbps uploads. 

“We are excited to announce these grants that demonstrate more progress in constructing broadband across rural parts of the state,” said Drew Lovelace, acting director of the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion. “These vital projects will mean connectivity to thousands of people, enabling them to participate in the digital world and allowing them access to such necessities as telehealth, education, economic development and government services.” 

With these latest awards, nearly $56 million from the Connect New Mexico Fund have been issued to internet service providers, telephone cooperatives and tribal communities. The Fund is a $70 million state-led broadband grant program designed to expand high-speed internet access and deploy infrastructure to unserved and underserved communities.  

OBAE plans to award more Connect New Mexico Fund grants in the near future, totaling millions of dollars. 

The Connect New Mexico Fund was established in 2021 by the legislature through the Connect New Mexico Act. 

About the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion:

The Office of Broadband Access and Expansion is dedicated to serving New Mexico with a commitment to make high-speed broadband accessible to all New Mexicans. OBAE’s mission is to expand and improve high-speed internet service with passionate leadership that drives bold, equitable, affordable and inclusive broadband solutions. OBAE seeks results that honor the state’s rich heritage and elevate quality of life for all.