Connect New Mexico Fund
The Connect New Mexico Fund aims to promote sustainable networks, offering reliable, affordable high-speed solutions for comprehensive community coverage and digital inclusion. The program subsidizes network deployment for underserved areas, aiming to provide broadband access to residents, businesses, and institutions.
The Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) has awarded more than $58 million in state grants to internet service providers, telephone cooperatives, pueblos and a tribal company to deploy broadband across the state. Grant recipients include seven entities, some of which will handle multiple projects. The grants are being released through the state’s Connect New Mexico Fund. This $70 million state-led broadband grant program is designed to expand high-speed internet access and deploy infrastructure to unserved and underserved communities. An underserved area is one that has access to a broadband connection less than 100 download/20 Mbps upload. The grantees include Comcast Corporation, Resound Networks, Penasco Valley Telephone Cooperative, Valley Telephone Cooperative, Isleta Pueblo, Picuris Pueblo and San Ildefonso Services, the business arm of the San Ildefonso Pueblo. Several award recipients will be building multiple broadband projects across the state. The state grants will be used for broadband deployment in 16 counties throughout the state. Nearly 400 miles of fiber will be constructed to complete the projects. Construction will begin as soon as awardees complete preliminary work including permitting, right of way access, labor contracts and supply purchases. OBAE is planning to award more Connect New Mexico Fund state grants soon, totaling millions of dollars. The Connect New Mexico Fund was established in 2021 by the legislature through the Connect New Mexico Act.
The application window closed March 18, 2024. See Awarded Projects below for list of awards.
Connect New Mexico Fund grants awarded:
- Comcast Corporation $12,532,773 (4 projects) - Doña Ana and Valencia Counties
- Resound Networks $19,850,461.74 (10 projects) - Colfax, Valencia, Socorro, Luna, Sierra, San Miguel Eddy, and Chaves Counties
- Valley Telephone Cooperative $5,682,261 - Grant and Hidalgo Counties
- Penasco Valley Telephone Cooperative $4,858,602 (2 projects)- Lincoln, Chaves, Otero, and Eddy Counties
- Picuris Pueblo $4,072,430
- San Ildefonso Services, LLC $3,474,312 - San Ildefanso Pueblo
- Isleta Pueblo $1,554,891
- Pueblo of Laguna $4,861,233 – Cibola County
- Tesuque Pueblo Administration - $1,262,333 – Santa Fe County
NOFO and Resources
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) formally establishes the funding availability for the Connect New Mexico Fund. The NOFO sets forth the program purpose, eligibility factors (e.g., project types, technologies, service areas, entities), allowable expenditures, performance requirements (e.g., network performance, service offerings, etc.), evaluation criteria, and post-award compliance requirements.
NOFO →
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) formally establishes the funding availability for the Connect New Mexico Fund. The NOFO sets forth the program purpose, eligibility factors (e.g., project types, technologies, service areas, entities), allowable expenditures, performance requirements (e.g., network performance, service offerings, etc.), evaluation criteria, and post-award compliance requirements.
NOFO →
Application
The Application comprises of several questions and information requests. The Application must be fully completed. Otherwise, the Application will be determined incomplete.
PDF Application →
All applications must be submitted through the portal. (Application Submission CLOSED March 18, 2024)
The Application comprises of several questions and information requests. The Application must be fully completed. Otherwise, the Application will be determined incomplete.
PDF Application →
All applications must be submitted through the portal. (Application Submission CLOSED March 18, 2024)
Frequently Asked Questions
Program Update and FAQs #1 03.06.24
FAQs #2 03.12.2024 (Updated 03.13.2024)
Submit your questions about this program and application here: [email protected]
New Mexico Broadband Map
The New Mexico Broadband Map identifies household and business locations deemed unserved or underserved, and community institutions lacking Gbps speeds.
NM Broadband Map →
Program Update and FAQs #1 03.06.24
FAQs #2 03.12.2024 (Updated 03.13.2024)
Submit your questions about this program and application here: [email protected]
New Mexico Broadband Map
The New Mexico Broadband Map identifies household and business locations deemed unserved or underserved, and community institutions lacking Gbps speeds.
NM Broadband Map →
Templates & Scoring Guide
Templates & Scoring Guide
Please use these templates when preparing your application:
Please use these templates when preparing your application:
Scoring Guide
The Scoring Guide identifies the specific categories and consideration factors by which applications will be evaluated. The Scoring Guide aims to: 1) provide a methodical, structured approach to comprehensively assess an application’s potential to achieve the purpose of the Connect New Mexico Fund; 2) ensure that all applications receive a consistent standard of evaluation; 3) identify critical shortcomings, for an otherwise strong application, which can be raised and cured during the due diligence phase. Please consult the Scoring Guide as you develop the application.
Scoring Guide →
The Scoring Guide identifies the specific categories and consideration factors by which applications will be evaluated. The Scoring Guide aims to: 1) provide a methodical, structured approach to comprehensively assess an application’s potential to achieve the purpose of the Connect New Mexico Fund; 2) ensure that all applications receive a consistent standard of evaluation; 3) identify critical shortcomings, for an otherwise strong application, which can be raised and cured during the due diligence phase. Please consult the Scoring Guide as you develop the application.
Scoring Guide →
Webinars
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Webinars
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Connect New Mexico Fund:
Mapping Review to Validate Eligible Locations live through April 19, 2024 (11:00 pm MT). |
Office Hours
Open Office Hours
Tuesdays and Fridays from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm (MT)
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Tue, Feb 27 Fri, Mar 1
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Meeting ID: 828 0173 7100
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Tuesdays and Fridays from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm (MT)
Tue, Feb 6 Fri, Feb 9
Tue, Feb 13 Fri, Feb 16
Tue, Feb 20 Fri, Feb 23
Tue, Feb 27 Fri, Mar 1
Tue, Mar 5 Fri, Mar 8
Tue, Mar 11 Fri, Mar 15
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82801737100
Meeting ID: 828 0173 7100
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,82801737100# US (Houston)
+16694449171,,82801737100# US
Dial by your location
• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
• +1 669 444 9171 US
• +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
• +1 719 359 4580 US
• +1 253 205 0468 US
• +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
• +1 507 473 4847 US
• +1 564 217 2000 US
• +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
• +1 646 931 3860 US
• +1 689 278 1000 US
• +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
• +1 305 224 1968 US
• +1 309 205 3325 US
• +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
• +1 360 209 5623 US
• +1 386 347 5053 US
Meeting ID: 828 0173 7100
Reporting
Come back for updates on reporting.
