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technology1d ago
Feds OK New Mexico's $382 million broadband expansion plan for homes, businesses
- The federal BEAD program approved a $382 million award to New Mexico to expand broadband to over 42,000 locations.
- The award is the first tranche of New Mexico’s $675 million BEAD allocation and will fund last-mile deployments.
- Navajo Nation receives the largest single award at $111 million.
- The plan allocates 43% of deployments to fixed wireless, 42% to fiber, and 15% to low Earth orbit satellite.
- The funding will support ‘last-mile deployment’ to connect homes and small businesses.
- State officials expect the remaining $293 million to fund nondeployment uses.
- Bead program aims to deliver universal broadband by end of 2026.
- Broadband is described as critical infrastructure for education, health care, and employment.
- The BEAD process was paused in 2024 and restarted with updated rules.
- The plan will fund multiple technologies across counties, including tribal areas.
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