en.Wedoany.com Reported - The New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) has launched a new initiative called the "New Mexico Community Wi-Fi Digital Connectivity Technology Project," aimed at deploying and expanding public Wi-Fi in localized areas lacking reliable connectivity, utilizing nearly $6 million in federal funding.

The project is funded by $5,993,281 from the American Rescue Plan Act Capital Projects Fund, provided through the U.S. Department of the Treasury. According to the announcement, only local governments, county governments, and state agencies are eligible to apply, and no matching funds are required.

Grant-receiving public entities will collaborate with OBAE to build Wi-Fi projects in New Mexico communities with insufficient internet access and facing digital inclusion barriers. Approved projects must provide broadband service of at least 100/20 Mbps, and each participant must either have a cybersecurity risk management plan in place or be prepared to implement one before service launch.

OBAE stated that applications will be accepted until July 15, 2026, and all projects must be completed by December 31, 2026. Since project funds will expire at the end of the year, the office will prioritize applicants with the clearest needs and realistic timelines for rapid completion.

Andrew Wilder, Director of the Policy and Projects Bureau at OBAE, stated that funding for Wi-Fi projects is another step toward narrowing the digital divide in New Mexico. He noted that local governments and agencies can use this project to provide public broadband access to support communications during emergencies.

This new initiative builds on the broadband office's previous work. In October 2025, OBAE established a separate "Community Connectivity Grant Program" to expand public Wi-Fi across the state. The program has provided approximately $7 million to seven recipients.

One grant supported the Department of Cultural Affairs in establishing free Wi-Fi connections at locations ranging from the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque to the Bosque Redondo Memorial in Fort Sumner. These projects collectively reflect the state's broader efforts to expand broadband coverage to underserved communities.

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