New Mexico Bead Grants: $675M for Rural Internet

State Receives 66 Applications for High-Speed Internet Grants

SANTA FE, NM — The Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) has received 66 grant applications from 18 organizations, seeking a share of the $675 million available for broadband infrastructure in New Mexico. This funding, part of the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, aims to bring high-speed internet to underserved communities across the state.

Who’s Competing for New Mexico BEAD Funding?

A diverse mix of organizations has stepped up to expand broadband access, including:

• 10 internet service providers (ISPs)
• 5 cooperatives
• 3 Tribal communities

These entities have submitted proposals for projects in multiple regions, covering 144 underserved areas across 31 counties.

Overwhelming Demand for Broadband Expansion

While the state has $675 million to distribute, applicants have requested a total of $719 million in funding. This indicates a strong demand for infrastructure improvements.

Project proposals include:

• 53 fiber-optic networks for high-speed, long-term connectivity
• 12 fixed wireless systems for faster rural deployment
• 1 low-Earth orbit satellite initiative for remote coverage

If funded, these projects will deliver broadband to more than 31,000 homes, businesses, farms, and community centers currently lacking reliable internet.