Luján Announces Approval of New Mexico’s “Internet for All” Initial Proposal

New Mexico’s Requested BEAD Funds Total Over $675 Million

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Chair of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, welcomed the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) approval for New Mexico’s initial proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.

This approval enables New Mexico to request access to funding and begin implementation of the BEAD program – a major step towards closing the digital divide and helping New Mexicans connect with affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service. The approval allows New Mexico to request over $675 million.

The BEAD program is a $42.45 billion state grant program authorized by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The states, territories, and Washington D.C. were allocated funding to deploy or upgrade high-speed Internet networks to ensure that everyone has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet service. Once deployment goals are met, any remaining funding can be used on high-speed Internet adoption, training, and workforce development efforts, among other eligible uses.

“I am proud to announce a historic investment of $675 million in funding that will help move New Mexico toward 100% connectivity from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said Senator Luján. “However, the failure to extend the Affordable Connectivity Program threatens to dilute the impact of this funding. It is imperative that we reinstate this vital program. While this funding represents significant progress toward 100% connectivity, there remains an ongoing need for next-generation technology to support rural areas, low-income communities, schools, and libraries.”

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes a historic $65 billion investment to expand affordable and reliable high-speed Internet access in communities across the U.S. NTIA recently launched a series of new high-speed Internet grant programs funded by the law that will build high-speed Internet infrastructure across the country, create more low-cost high-speed Internet service options, and address the digital equity and inclusion needs in our communities.

###