New Mexico Awards Broadband Planning Grants to Three Rural, Tribal Communities
The state has now awarded planning grants to 18 Tribal communities.
May 29, 2026 – New Mexico is continuing its push to expand broadband access across rural and Tribal communities through a new round of planning grants aimed at preparing local governments and pueblos for future infrastructure deployment.
The New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion announced Thursday that it awarded $300,000 in broadband planning grants to Jemez Springs, Doña Ana County and Santo Domingo Pueblo through the state’s Grant Writing, Engineering, and Planning Program.
Each community will receive up to $100,000 to support engineering assessments, feasibility studies, and network planning projects intended to improve internet access in underserved areas.
“These awards will play a vital role in expanding broadband infrastructure in rural and Tribal areas,” said Neala Krueger, OBAE’s state grants senior program manager. “Future connectivity through this funding will transform lives as the state looks to close the digital divide.”
Jemez Springs plans to use its grant to study the feasibility of extending middle-mile fiber infrastructure along a 10-mile stretch of Highway 4 and begin engineering assessments for future Fiber-to-the-Premises deployment. The community has previously received state funding to expand public Wi-Fi access at local historical sites.
Doña Ana County will use its grant to produce “shovel-ready” engineering and planning materials for public Wi-Fi deployment at county-owned facilities, parks, and recreational fields. The county has also previously received grants through OBAE’s Community Connect Grant Program to expand free Wi-Fi access in public spaces including plazas, parks, and municipal buildings.
Santo Domingo Pueblo plans to use its funding to identify connectivity gaps and support engineering work tied to expanding its Fiber-to-the-Home network.
The grants are part of New Mexico’s effort to prepare communities for future broadband construction funding opportunities.
According to the state, OBAE has now awarded planning grants to 18 Tribal communities, 17 local governments and four rural electric and telephone cooperatives.
