Last week, the New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) provided an update on the proposal status of the state’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, announcing that 18 entities had submitted 66 applications for BEAD grants in the state.
The total amount requested in the applications exceeds $719 million. Including $258.2 million in proposed matching funds, the total proposed budget for the applications is $976.2 million.
In 2023, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) allocated $675 million to the state of New Mexico from the $42.5 billion national BEAD Program. New Mexico was among the first states to begin accepting grant applications to fund broadband infrastructure projects. OBAE said it would review applications and award grants from the $675 federal BEAD allocation.
The applications designate 144 unserved “project areas” across 31 New Mexico counties for connectivity using terrestrial technology. More than 31,000 unserved homes, businesses, farms, and other locations in New Mexico are expected to gain access to high-speed broadband through the proposed projects funded through BEAD.
“We are very excited by the number of applications and qualified candidates for this massive broadband infrastructure program,” Drew Lovelace, acting director of OBAE, said in the announcement. “This monumental program will help close the digital divide in our state, providing high-speed connectivity for broadband-dry households and communities. These projects will change lives.”
Entrants to the BEAD Program in New Mexico include 10 internet service providers, five cooperatives, and three Tribal communities. Of the 18 entrants, 16 applied for projects in more than one location.
The 18 entities have applied for:
- 53 full-fiber projects
- 12 fixed wireless projects
- One low-earth orbit satellite project
The 66 BEAD applications require approval from both NTIA and OBAE. By late July, OBAE will recommend the grant awards to NTIA. After federal approval of the recommended projects, construction may start. Every project must be finalized within a four-year timeframe.
“These projects are a huge undertaking and may take time, but OBAE wants broadband built quickly and efficiently. Connecting New Mexican homes and businesses is our top priority,” said Andrew Wilder, BEAD coordinator of OBAE.
At the beginning of this year, New Mexico publicized the criteria and deadlines for its BEAD program allotment.
Additional information about broadband in New Mexico, including links to state funding resources, awards made, BEAD news, state-specific Telecompetitor coverage and more, can be found on the Broadband Nation webpage for the state.
