Federal government approves New Mexico plan to spend millions on high-speed internet infrastructure

New Mexico will award close to $400 million in federal money through 31 grants to bring high-speed internet to communities all over the state.

“My administration has been working diligently to secure this federal funding, and this milestone is a major step toward delivering broadband to every home and business in New Mexico,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a statement.

New Mexico’s $382 million proposal for new high-speed internet infrastructure across the state got final approval, the governor’s office announced Tuesday. The projects should make high-speed internet available to 42,500 unserved or underserved locations.

The state was allocated $675 million through the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, but the remaining $293 million is not available until more guidance comes down from the U.S. Department of Commerce, according to a news release. State officials plan to spend that money on 5G towers, middle-mile infrastructure — infrastructure that does not connect directly to an end-user — and supporting broadband connectivity for community institutions that help vulnerable populations access the internet, like schools, libraries or health clinics.

Guidelines for BEAD grants were changed by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration last June, over the objections of Democrats in the U.S. Senate and House.  The newer guidelines required updated state maps of unserved or underserved locations. The changes also deprioritized fiber internet, loosened requirements for a low-cost internet option and caused a delay in the grant process. 

The original program guidelines created under President Joe Biden's administration heavily favored fiber internet projects, while the newer guidelines prioritized “technology neutrality.”

The Governor’s Office touted New Mexico’s “tech-neutral approach” in a news release, pointing out that 43% of the projects are fixed wireless, 42% are fiber and 15% are low Earth orbit satellite.

The Navajo Nation will be awarded $111 million, the largest grant award.

“Our BEAD program will provide fundamental broadband services to rural and tribal communities that have waited far too long,” Office of Broadband Access and Expansion Director Jeff Lopez said in a statement.

The state’s broadband office reviewed 90 applications. The grants will go to 17 recipients, including nine internet service providers and satellite companies, five electric and telephone cooperatives and three tribal communities: the Navajo Nation, Acoma Pueblo and Jemez Pueblo.