Santa Fe-based NM Surf has been awarded a grant of $2,395,072 to deploy broadband access to connect 250 rural schools and their staffs in New Mexico. The award was made through the $25 million Student Connect program, which is administered by the state’s Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE).
The OBAE announcement says funding granted to The Santa Fe Project will enable deployment of towers and fixed wireless access (FWA) infrastructure. Those who gain access through the project will get three years of complimentary service.
It’s been a busy month for broadband in the state’s efforts to improve rural broadband for students and school their staffs. This week, Governor Lujan Grisham signed the Broadband for Education Bill (SB 401), which moved all Statewide Education Network staff, funds, projects and operations from the Public School Facilities Authority (PSFA) to the OBAE.
There were ten previous Student Connect broadband grant awards totaling $21,849,010, all of which were funded by the Connect New Mexico Fund. The fund was established by the Legislature in 2021 through the Connect New Mexico Act.
The Connect New Mexico Fund is an ongoing effort. The OBAE says that applications are encouraged from both schools and ISPs for the more than $3.1 million that remains available. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2026.
“This project, funded by our Student Connect program, is truly a life-changer for these students,” Richard Govea, OBAE’s Project Manager Bureau Chief said. “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.”
Additional information about broadband in New Mexico, including links to state funding resources and grant awards made, state-specific Telecompetitor coverage, and more can be found on the Broadband Nation webpage for the state.
