BROADBAND EQUITY ACCESS AND DEPLOYMEnt
"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."
The State is implementing the New Mexico Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Plan to support Internet for All efforts statewide. A Five-Year Action Plan was developed based on extensive data collection and stakeholder engagement, which includes an "Initial Proposal" submitted to NTIA for review and approval which details 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 complete and submit to NTIA a Final Proposal outlining the grant-making plans.
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."
"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
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Initial Proposal Volume I
Residents, community organizations, businesses, and local authorities, participated in the public comment period for Volume 1 of the Initial Proposal. OBAE used public input to update the Initial Proposal Volume 1, which adheres to NTIA guidelines, includes a description of each requirement, focuses on existing funding, unserved and underserved locations, and community anchor institutions (CAI), and included a challenge process that follows the approval of this plan. Initial Proposal Volume II
Residents, community organizations, businesses, and local authorities, participated in the public comment period for Volume 2 of the Initial Proposal. OBAE used public 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. |
BEAD Challenge Process
BEAD CHALLENGE PROCESS
The BEAD Challenge Process, outlined in the State of New Mexico's BEAD Initial Proposal Volume I, provided a structured framework for stakeholders to contest broadband service classifications. It involved 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 could 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 ensured transparency, fairness, and evidence-based decision-making. The results of the BEAD Challenge Process will yield a final list of locations eligible for BEAD funding.
As of November 2024, the results of the BEAD Challenge Process are currently pending NTIA review and approval.
The BEAD Challenge Process, outlined in the State of New Mexico's BEAD Initial Proposal Volume I, provided a structured framework for stakeholders to contest broadband service classifications. It involved 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 could 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 ensured transparency, fairness, and evidence-based decision-making. The results of the BEAD Challenge Process will yield a final list of locations eligible for BEAD funding.
As of November 2024, the results of the BEAD Challenge Process are currently pending NTIA review and approval.
BEAD Challenge FAQ's
Explore the FAQ document for frequently asked questions about the NM BEAD Challenge. FAQ
Explore the FAQ document for frequently asked questions about the NM BEAD Challenge. FAQ
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. 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. Guide
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BEAD Challenge Independent Technical Assistance 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 Aquiles (Alex) Trujillo or Scott Lopez. |
Aquiles (Alex) Trujill0
Aquiles (Alex) Trujillo: [email protected] Alex Trujillo has over 25 years of experience in the broadband industry working in both senior management positions and as an entrepreneur. Alex helped the New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion in developing their technical assistance program for communities and providers. Scott Lopez
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Eligible Locations CSV Files
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. |
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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. 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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BEAD Challenge Rebuttal Phase
Download the slide deck here. |
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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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NM 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 When: Apr 15, 2024 09:00 AM Mountain Time Download the slide deck here. |
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In-person Challenge Meeting Schedule
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]. |
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BEAD Challenge Rebuttal Phase Office Hours
Please use the following information to join any of the above meetings: Microsoft Teams 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# |
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PAU Public Comment
PAU Public Comment Period was open September 1-30, 2024
Federal officials approved the New Mexico BEAD Initial Proposal in July 2024, clearing the way for OBAE to award $675 million for New Mexico broadband deployment projects. BEAD projects will provide broadband infrastructure to New Mexico’s unserved areas. To facilitate subgrantee selection and ensure coverage for all eligible locations, OBAE will subdivide the state into Project Area Units (PAUs). The Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) sought public comments on the design of the PAUs from September 1 to 30, 2024.
The public comments will center on draft Project Area Units (PAU), regions across the state for which stakeholders will bid for BEAD funding for broadband projects. PAUs were designed using existing administrative boundaries, including Tribal lands, school districts, census blocks and tracts, and high-cost areas defined by NTIA. OBAE conducted a webinar on Friday, August 30, from 10am-11am MST, to introduce this process to stakeholders and provide instruction on how to participate. The PAUs will be finalized after the public comment period and after federal officials approve OBAE's BEAD Challenge Process results.
If you have any questions, please contact OBAE at [email protected].
Federal officials approved the New Mexico BEAD Initial Proposal in July 2024, clearing the way for OBAE to award $675 million for New Mexico broadband deployment projects. BEAD projects will provide broadband infrastructure to New Mexico’s unserved areas. To facilitate subgrantee selection and ensure coverage for all eligible locations, OBAE will subdivide the state into Project Area Units (PAUs). The Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) sought public comments on the design of the PAUs from September 1 to 30, 2024.
The public comments will center on draft Project Area Units (PAU), regions across the state for which stakeholders will bid for BEAD funding for broadband projects. PAUs were designed using existing administrative boundaries, including Tribal lands, school districts, census blocks and tracts, and high-cost areas defined by NTIA. OBAE conducted a webinar on Friday, August 30, from 10am-11am MST, to introduce this process to stakeholders and provide instruction on how to participate. The PAUs will be finalized after the public comment period and after federal officials approve OBAE's BEAD Challenge Process results.
If you have any questions, please contact OBAE at [email protected].
PAU PUBLIC COMMENT WEBINAR
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PAU Webinar Friday, August 30, 2024
OBAE conducted a webinar on Friday, August 30, to introduce this process to stakeholders and provide instruction on how to participate. The PAUs will be finalized after the public comment period and after federal officials approve OBAE's BEAD Challenge Process results. Federal officials last month approved OBAE’s BEAD Initial Proposal, clearing the way for OBAE to award $675 million for broadband deployment projects in New Mexico. BEAD projects will provide broadband infrastructure to New Mexico’s unserved areas. If you have any questions, please contact OBAE at [email protected] Webinar Title: BEAD Project Area Units Request for Comment BEAD PAU Slide Deck BEAD PAU Recording |
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PAU Public Comment Resources
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Alternative Percentage Explainer
OBAE has received numerous questions from providers about the size of Project Areas and the challenges of serving the most difficult to reach unserved locations. The Alternative Percentage mechanism exists to address this concern. Watch this short explanation from BEAD Coordinator Andrew Wilder to learn more. |
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PAU PUBLIC COMMENT Office Hours
Project Area Units (PAU) Request for Comment Office Hours occurred on:
- Tuesday, 9/3 from 9-10am
- Tuesday, 9/10 from 10-10:30am
- Tuesday, 9/17 from 10-10:30am
- Tuesday, 9/24 from 10-11am
