Connectivity: State broadband office releases Three-Year Statewide Broadband Plan

ALBUQUERQUE – The Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) has released a comprehensive Three-Year Statewide Broadband Plan that unveils the agency’s ambitious goals, strategic priorities and initiatives planned for 2026-2028.

The plan is the result of feedback from the members of the Connect New Mexico Council and stakeholders around the state.

Subscribe to the Daily Las Cruces Digest

* indicates required

Email Address *

First Name *How would you like to be addressed in personalized emails?

/* real people should not fill this in and expect good things – do not remove this or risk form bot signups */

“Our Three-Year Plan demonstrates OBAE’s commitment to help build and expand broadband infrastructure across the state,” said Jeff Lopez, OBAE director. “We are on the path to universal connectivity, and this plan is the playbook to bring broadband to every home, business, farm, and anchor institution.”

Currently, 90% of New Mexico has high-speed internet, and the Three-Year Plan will serve as the roadmap to getting the state 100% connected. The agency’s vision is a fully connected New Mexico where every community has access to affordable, high-quality, future ready broadband.

At the heart of the plan are four major program goals:

• Universal Availability
• Widespread Adoption
• Next Generation Advancement
• Program Stewardship

“These four goals will ensure that all constituents will have access to broadband, the support they need, and reliable, sustainable infrastructure,” said Lopez. “As we deploy broadband, we must think in terms of the future and how to adapt in a seamless manner with emerging technologies, particularly in rural and Tribal communities.”

OBAE has identified six strategic priorities — key building blocks that will guide and advance the agency’s agenda through 2028 and provide New Mexicans with unlimited opportunity and improved education, healthcare, job growth and critical services:

• Statewide Connectivity
• Affordability
• Strategic Infrastructure
• Data, Policy, and Permitting
• Digital Opportunity
• Network Operations

Since publishing its first three-year plan in 2023, OBAE’s many achievements include:

• Finalizing the State Broadband Map
• Launching and expanding the Statewide Education Network
• Funding 12 Student Connect projects designed to connect rural students
• Awarding $169 million in broadband grants through the American Rescue Plan Act
• Designating $432 million in provisional awards for the Federal BEAD program
• Awarding $54 million to New Mexico’s Nations, Pueblos, and Tribes

To read the plan, visit: OBAE Three-Year Statewide Broadband Plan

OBAE History:

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and the Legislature passed the New Mexico Broadband Access and Expansion Act in 2021, which established OBAE and required it complete a three-year statewide broadband plan, and update it annually. OBAE published the first plan in 2023 covering 2023-2025.