On March 17, the New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) publicly urged the NTIA to release $293 million in BEAD funds originally appropriated to the state by Congress. The funds are intended to accelerate broadband deployment and expand digital opportunities across New Mexico.
The BEAD program, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, has been targeted for reforms by the Department of Commerce, which has directed states to submit proposals the department deems more cost-effective. NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth recently noted that total taxpayer savings from these reforms are estimated at about $21 billion.
OBAE Director Jeff Lopez stressed that universal connectivity requires more than infrastructure alone. The agency highlighted that the funds would support streamlining permitting for deployments, connecting anchor institutions such as schools, libraries, and health clinics, advancing digital literacy, and extending access to multifamily housing and broadband mapping.
In its release, OBAE outlined how the remaining $293 million would fit into a broader BEAD effort, describing the combined $675 million allocated to New Mexico as a path toward 100% broadband connectivity across the state and the transformation of opportunities for residents and communities.
Lopez underscored the urgency, saying, “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.” The statement added that the funds would further the state’s goals in broadband deployment, workforce development, and digital opportunity as New Mexico continues to advocate within the BEAD framework.
