AnnouncEments
08/02/2024 KKOB’s Bob Clark interview with Acting Director Drew Lovelace
KKOB’s Bob Clark interviewed Acting Director Drew Lovelace about the recent federal approval of OBAE’s broadband deployment plan and what it means for communities and the state.
Click the button below to listen!
KKOB’s Bob Clark interviewed Acting Director Drew Lovelace about the recent federal approval of OBAE’s broadband deployment plan and what it means for communities and the state.
Click the button below to listen!
07/26/2024 NM Initial Proposal Volume II Approved!
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved New Mexico's Initial Proposal Volume II. This clears the way for the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) to begin the grant application process under the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. Local governments, Tribal communities, non-profits, internet service providers, cooperatives and other entities will soon be eligible for grants to deploy infrastructure projects across the state. The grants would be financed with $675 million being made available to New Mexico through the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved New Mexico's Initial Proposal Volume II. This clears the way for the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) to begin the grant application process under the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. Local governments, Tribal communities, non-profits, internet service providers, cooperatives and other entities will soon be eligible for grants to deploy infrastructure projects across the state. The grants would be financed with $675 million being made available to New Mexico through the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
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06/26/2024 Draft BEAD Project Area Units (PAUs) Published!
OBAE has published preliminary Project Area Units (PAUs) for the BEAD Program, which are the regions for which applicants will bid for BEAD funding. Click below to explore the PAUs! Ensure the layer "BEAD Draft Project Area Units" is enabled to view the PAUs. A public comment period will follow in the coming weeks. OBAE will finalize the PAU design after the completion of the BEAD Challenge Process. Trouble viewing or accessing the PAUs? Email [email protected]. |
Draft PAUs Map
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05/17/2024 Update: OBAE is delaying the start of the Rebuttal Phase until June 3rd. The Rebuttal Phase will now run from June 3rd-July 3rd and the Final Determination Phase will now run from July 4th-August 3rd. Additionally, OBAE is extending the period of time when eligible challengers can submit revisions to their challenges to ensure ample time to respond if asked to do so by OBAE. Revisions can now be submitted until 11:59pm on Wednesday, May 29th.
PLEASE NOTE: OBAE has received new guidance from NTIA regarding making challenges on the grounds that there is a lack of Tribal consent. Lack of tribal consent is only grounds for a challenge when the BSLs being challenged are in the unbuilt portion of an enforceable commitment under a government funding program. Deployed networks cannot be challenged on the grounds of lack of tribal consent regardless of whether the deployment was supported by a government program or not.
PLEASE NOTE: OBAE has received new guidance from NTIA regarding making challenges on the grounds that there is a lack of Tribal consent. Lack of tribal consent is only grounds for a challenge when the BSLs being challenged are in the unbuilt portion of an enforceable commitment under a government funding program. Deployed networks cannot be challenged on the grounds of lack of tribal consent regardless of whether the deployment was supported by a government program or not.
04/17/2024 BEAD Challenge Opening Date Update
Due to technical difficulties, OBAE was unable to open the Challenge portal on April 17th as scheduled. In the interest of fairness to all concerned, OBAE will open the Challenge Portal April 18th. The Challenge Phase will extend until May 18th to allow the full 30-day process to occur as planned.
There will be no change to the Rebuttal or Final Determination Phases at this time.
Due to technical difficulties, OBAE was unable to open the Challenge portal on April 17th as scheduled. In the interest of fairness to all concerned, OBAE will open the Challenge Portal April 18th. The Challenge Phase will extend until May 18th to allow the full 30-day process to occur as planned.
There will be no change to the Rebuttal or Final Determination Phases at this time.
Press Releases
Press Releases
07/26/2024: NM Initial Proposal Volume II Approved!
07/26/2024 Biden-Harris Administration Approves New Mexico and Virginia’s “Internet for All” Initial Proposal
06/ 26/2023 Press Release: Biden Administration awards more than $675 million to New Mexico to expand broadband access statewide.
The New Mexico BEAD Plan
Overview
"The U.S. Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program provides $42.45 billion in federal funding to expand high-speed internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment and adoption programs in all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands."
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The New Mexico BEAD Plan
To support Internet for All efforts statewide, New Mexico is drafting a state Five-Year Action Plan based on extensive data collection and stakeholder engagement. New Mexico will also develop an "Initial Proposal" to submit to NTIA for review and approval. The Initial Proposal will include detailed plans for how the New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion will structure and conduct a rigorous grant-making effort to maximize the allocation of $675 million in federal BEAD infrastructure funding in order to get broadband infrastructure to unserved parts of the State. To release all of the funding allocated, New Mexico will prepare and submit to NTIA a Final Proposal outlining the grant-making plans. |
BEAD BAckground
BEAD Background
How is BEAD funded?
"The federal BEAD program is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. BEAD is a federal grant program that aims to get all Americans online by funding partnerships between states or territories, communities, and stakeholders to build infrastructure where we need it to and increase adoption of high-speed internet. BEAD prioritizes unserved locations that have no internet access or that only have access under 25/3 Mbps and underserved locations only have access under 100/20 Mbps." Initial Proposal
Initial Proposal
Initial Proposal Volume I
Across the state we encourage residents, community organizations, businesses, and local authorities, to participate in the public comment period for Volume 1 of the Initial Proposal. The document adheres to NTIA guidelines and includes a description of each requirement along with attachments, available for public inspection and comments. OBAE will use your input to update the Initial Proposal Volume 1, which focuses on existing funding, unserved and underserved locations, community anchor institutions (CAI), and a challenge process that will follow the approval of this plan. A second volume of the Initial Proposal will be released at a later date to address other NTIA requirements such as the sub-grantee selection process. You can view the full document by using the link below. Initial Proposal Volume II
Across the state we encourage residents, community organizations, businesses, and local authorities, to participate in the public comment period for Volume 2 of the Initial Proposal, open through December 14, 2023. The document adheres to NTIA guidelines and includes a description of each requirement along with attachments, available for public inspection and comments. OBAE will use your input to update the Initial Proposal Volume 2, which focuses on critical components of the BEAD grant program, including the plan for workforce development, stakeholder engagement, low-cost and middle-class broadband service options, and the selection process for subgrantees. You can view the full document by using the link below. 
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BEAD Challenge Process
Overview
The BEAD Challenge Process, outlined in the State of New Mexico's BEAD Initial Proposal Volume I, provides a structured framework for stakeholders to contest broadband service classifications. It involves multiple phases over approximately 14 weeks, including publication of eligible locations, submission of challenges, rebuttals by those challenged, verification of evidence, and final determination by OBAE. Challenges can be made by nonprofit organizations, local governments, Tribal Nations, and broadband service providers, covering aspects like community anchor institution eligibility, existing broadband service listings, enforceable commitments, and planned service. The process ensures transparency, fairness, and evidence-based decision-making.
The BEAD Challenge Process, outlined in the State of New Mexico's BEAD Initial Proposal Volume I, provides a structured framework for stakeholders to contest broadband service classifications. It involves multiple phases over approximately 14 weeks, including publication of eligible locations, submission of challenges, rebuttals by those challenged, verification of evidence, and final determination by OBAE. Challenges can be made by nonprofit organizations, local governments, Tribal Nations, and broadband service providers, covering aspects like community anchor institution eligibility, existing broadband service listings, enforceable commitments, and planned service. The process ensures transparency, fairness, and evidence-based decision-making.
BEAD Challenge Resources
BEAD Challenge Resources
Independent support is available for stakeholders needing assistance with the Challenge and Rebuttal processes. If you are an eligible challenger and need help participating in the BEAD Challenge Process, contact:
leadership in advancing economic development. His expertise, sharpened by an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management and a robust career in investment banking and capital markets, has made a notable impact on the financial and life sciences sectors. Scott is a veteran and a staunch advocate for
minority and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, consistently working towards the growth and support of underserved communities.
- Aquiles (Alex) Trujillo: [email protected]
- Scott Lopez: [email protected]
leadership in advancing economic development. His expertise, sharpened by an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management and a robust career in investment banking and capital markets, has made a notable impact on the financial and life sciences sectors. Scott is a veteran and a staunch advocate for
minority and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, consistently working towards the growth and support of underserved communities.
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BEAD Challenge FAQ's
Explore the document below for frequently asked questions about the NM BEAD Challenge. |
BEAD Challenge Resource Guide
Explore the BEAD Challenge Resource Guide which provides a concise roadmap for participants, covering all aspects of the challenge process. From allowable challenges to participation steps and documentation requirements, it offers clear guidance on navigating through phases and understanding various challenge types. |
Eligible Locations CSV Files
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To assist stakeholders with preparing for the BEAD Challenge Process, OBAE has made available CSV files of the eligible unserved and underserved locations and Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs). |
Pre-challenge UnDERserved Csv File
PRE-CHALLENGE UNDERSERVED CSV FILE
Underserved -- View Map Broadband Serviceable Locations (BSL's) which are considered UNDERSERVED and thus are eligible for funding through the Broadband, Equity, Access & Deployment (BEAD) Program. These status determinations are based on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Fabric version 3.2 (June 2023), with service availability updates, including state and federal grant enforceable commitments and the standard DSL/copper service modification, as of February 7, 2024, as published by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) National Broadband Availability Map (NBAM). This file only contains a LocationID for each BSL. In order to map these data, users must have a copy of the FCC's BSL fabric, which can be licensed for use from CostQuest by registering. If you are using these data to participate in the BEAD program in New Mexico (NM), you'll likely want a Tier D or E license, which is described further here. Pre-Challenge Unserved CSV FIle
PRE-CHALLENGE UNSERVED CSV FILE
Unserved -- View Map Broadband Serviceable Locations (BSL's) which are considered UNSERVED and thus are eligible for funding through the Broadband, Equity, Access & Deployment (BEAD) Program. These status determinations are based on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Fabric version 3.2 (June 2023), with service availability updates, including state and federal grant enforceable commitments and the standard DSL/copper service modification, as of February 7, 2024, as published by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) National Broadband Availability Map (NBAM). This file only contains a LocationID for each BSL. In order to map these data, users must have a copy of the FCC's BSL fabric, which can be licensed for use from CostQuest by registering here. If you are using these data to participate in the BEAD program in New Mexico (NM), you'll likely want a Tier D or E license, which is described further here. PRE-CHALLENGE Community Anchor Institutions (CAI) CSV FILE
PRE-CHALLENGE COMMUNITY ANCHOR INSTITUTIONS (CAI) CSV FILE
Community Anchors -- View Map Locations in New Mexico which are considered Community Anchor Institutions (CAI) according to the definition adopted by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and which are eligible for funding in the Broadband, Equity, Access & Deployment (BEAD) Program, to deploy up to 1Gpbs symmetrical internet service. In some cases, these locations correspond to Broadband Serviceable Locations (BSL) as defined in the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Fabric version 3.2 (June 2023). In those cases, a LocationID is provided that corresponds to the FCC BSL. However, many of these locations do not have a BSL LocationID, and still need to be associated with the proper BSL. Further, the current service speeds available at these locations were derived from two sources: e-Rate funding data or a proximity analysis using nearby BSL service claims data. In both cases, the expectation is that the attributes provided with these points will become more accurate through the NM BEAD Challenge process, as described further here. |
NM BEAD Challenge Meetings Slide Deck
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New Mexico CPC Challenge Video
This video is an overview of registering for and navigating the Challenge Portal, along with fundamental instructions on submitting challenges. |
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Anyone can search for their county of interest, download the snapshot, or explore the live map for more detailed information about a specific area.
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NM County Availability Profiles
The County Availability Profiles are a resources to aid in preparing for the BEAD Challenge Process. (These are not the maps that will be challenged, but they do present the same data in a less detailed view). Each county PDF is a snapshot of broadband service availability data, featuring two static maps. Anyone seeing issues with these data should notify your local eligible challenger and help them submit challenges. The first map reflects current broadband availability based on Federal Communications Commission (FCC) data, offering insights into existing coverage. The second map showcases anticipated broadband availability, taking into account the implementation of federal and state grants. |
BEAD Challenge Webinars and Meetings
Webinars
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New Mexico OBAE Challenge Process Overview Webinar:
The New Mexico Office on Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) hosted a webinar on the New Mexico BEAD Challenge Process on Monday, April 15, 2024. This webinar delved into the BEAD Challenge Process, including essential dates, requirements, and best practices for accurate and effective participation. The recording of the webinar and slide deck are published here. Meeting Details: When: Apr 15, 2024 09:00 AM Mountain Time Topic: New Mexico OBAE Challenge Process Overview |
Recording:
Download the slide deck here.
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Challenge Meetings
In addition to the overview webinar OBAE is holding Challenge Meetings all over the state. At these events OBAE staff will present in more detail about the Challenge Process, share region-specific insights, and be on hand to answer questions.
Open to the public, but please RSVP to [email protected].
Meeting Details:
In addition to the overview webinar OBAE is holding Challenge Meetings all over the state. At these events OBAE staff will present in more detail about the Challenge Process, share region-specific insights, and be on hand to answer questions.
Open to the public, but please RSVP to [email protected].
Meeting Details:
Challenge Meeting Recordings
BEAD Challenge Process Office Hours
BEAD Challenge Office Hours
OBAE is hosting virtual Challenge Process Office Hours on the following dates:
OBAE is hosting virtual Challenge Process Office Hours on the following dates:
Meeting Details:
Please use the following information to join any of the above meetings:
Microsoft Teams Need help?
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 299 347 105 303
Passcode: u7zAo6
Dial-in by phone
+1 505-312-4308,,47094368# United States, Albuquerque
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 470 943 68#
Please use the following information to join any of the above meetings:
Microsoft Teams Need help?
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 299 347 105 303
Passcode: u7zAo6
Dial-in by phone
+1 505-312-4308,,47094368# United States, Albuquerque
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 470 943 68#
