New Mexico urges release of $293 million in BEAD funds

The New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion is calling on the federal government to release $293 million in remaining funds from the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program to support broadband connectivity across the state. The federal government had allocated $675 million in BEAD funding for New Mexico in 2023. After the National Telecommunications and Information Administration approved New Mexico's $382 million broadband infrastructure BEAD proposal—which will connect more than 42,500 unserved and underserved locations in 32 of 33 counties—$293 million remained. In 2025, the new federal administration reformed the program, decreasing the infrastructure cost below the original allocation; under the BEAD statute, remaining funds must be directed toward broadband support programs. The NTIA had planned to release its guidance to all states on how to use the $21 billion in BEAD savings during the week of March 9, but the Administration postponed its decision. OBAE had written a letter to the NTIA on February 17, asking for the release of the remaining $293 million. “It’s imperative that the NTIA release these funds to ensure New Mexico reaches its goals of broadband deployment, digital opportunity, and workforce development,” said Jeff Lopez, OBAE director. “Achieving universal connectivity takes more than infrastructure construction—many support services, programs, and other projects are necessary to ensure all New Mexicans have the broadband resources to succeed.”