​The Connect New Mexico Fund was established 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 application window closed March 18, 2024
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.

Awarded Projects

​Connect New Mexico Fund grants awarded to:
  • 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

Contact:

Neala Krueger
State Grants Program Coordinator
Phone: (505) 538-0929
Email:  [email protected]
CNM Fund Archive
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 →
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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)
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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 →
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Templates & Scoring Guide
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 →
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Webinars      
Connect New Mexico Fund:
Mapping Review to Validate Eligible Locations live through April 19, 2024 (11:00 pm MT).
​
Open Office Hours
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
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​
Key Announcements:
​
​05/03/24 Connect New Mexico Fund Mapping Review to Validate Eligible Locations EXTENDED through May 13, 2024 (11:00 pm MT).
04/05/24 Memo
03/06/24 OBAE Extends Application Deadline to March 18, 2024
2024 OBAE Kicks Off the Connect New Mexico Fund​​
CNM Fund Templates and Forms
CNM Fund Office Hours
Comeback for updates on future Office Hours including Day and Time.
CNM Fund Reporting and Forms
Come back for more details on reporting.

©2026 NM OFFICE OF BROADBAND ACCESS & EXPANSION 
​To report waste, fraud, & abuse or learn about the 
​Whistleblower Protection Act, please CLICK HERE
To read the OBAE Accessibility Statement or seek assistance accessing website resources CLICK HERE

​connect.nm.gov
​Interested in learning more and getting involved?
​CONTACT
[email protected]