New Mexico’s $432.9 million BEAD plan has entered a formal federal review, with the state’s Office of Broadband Access and Expansion stating the plan aims to connect thousands of rural households to high-speed internet.
Notable line items include Valley Telephone Cooperative: $12.1 million to serve 300 locations (roughly $40,000 per location); Oso Internet Solutions: $28.6 million for 729 locations (about $39,000 per site); and Lyte Fiber: $55.8 million to serve 1,983 locations (around $28,000 each).
OBAE Director Jeff Lopez emphasized that the BEAD program is intended to close the digital divide, enabling families to access essential services and information as NM builds out its broadband infrastructure.
Preliminary approvals have been issued for more than 30 BEAD projects, covering nine ISPs and fixed- or low-Earth-orbit satellite providers, three tribal entities, and five cooperatives. The latest plan shows roughly 44% of locations would be fiber-served, 40% fixed wireless, and 16% via LEO satellite.
Supporters note that per-location costs reflect the challenges of rural deployment, while NTIA’s review could lead to adjustments. NM officials say the program will empower thousands of households to access critical services and participate in the digital economy.
