New broadband program expands public Wi-Fi access in NM

More local governments and state agencies in New Mexico will soon be able to provide public Wi-Fi access because of $6 million in U.S. Treasury Department funding for a new community broadband program. The Office of Broadband Access and Expansion launched the New Mexico Community Wi-Fi Digital Connectivity Technology Project, a new program designed to expand and deploy public Wi-Fi in local communities. OBAE will use $5,993,281 available from the American Rescue Plan Act Capital Projects Fund. Only local and county governments and state agencies are eligible for the Wi-Fi assistance program. No matching funds are required. State agencies, counties, municipalities, and other public bodies will partner with OBAE to launch Wi-Fi projects in communities with poor levels of connectivity and digital inclusion. All approved projects must be designed to deliver broadband service with a minimum speed performance of 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload. All participants must have a cybersecurity risk management plan in place or one ready to be activated upon providing service. OBAE will accept applications through July 15, 2026, and all projects must be completed by December 31, 2026. OBAE funding for the Wi-Fi program expires at the end of 2026.