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Office of Broadband says BEAD approval would bring 42,851 locations online; Digital Equity grant cancelled
Summary
Jeff Lopez briefed lawmakers that New Mexico currently has 90% of locations meeting 100/20 Mbps targets and expects to reach 94% with committed projects; pending NTIA BEAD approval would extend service to 42,851 additional locations and fund $433M in capital grants, while a separate $8.7M Digital Equity grant was terminated by NTIA.
Jeff Lopez, director of the Office of Broadband Access & Expansion, told the committee that New Mexico currently records about 90% of households and small-business locations with service at the 100/20 Mbps benchmark and that the state's existing projects will raise that to roughly 94% once complete.
Lopez said the state's BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) final proposal identifies 42,851 locations to be served and would bring $433 million in capital infrastructure grants to New Mexico upon final NTIA approval. He explained the technology mix the state proposed: approximately 45% fiber-to-the-home, 40% fixed wireless and 15% low-earth-orbit satellite, and outlined non-deployment "use of funds" options (community anchor institutions, multi-dwelling units, digital opportunity programs) triggered by federal per-location policy changes.
On program timing, Lopez said the state submitted its five-year action plan and final proposal and is engaged in a "curing" process with NTIA; he relayed NTIA's commitment to final approval by December 2025 and said permitting and construction would follow over the next three to five years.
Lopez also flagged that the Department of Commerce terminated a previously awarded $8.7 million Digital Equity grant the state had expected; the broadband office is exploring state-level options to support digital literacy and affordability programs, and warned that a long-term solution may require sustained annual funding rather than one-time capital appropriations.
Committee members asked about mapping tools, dig-once coordination, supply chain delays for fiber and equipment, tribal engagement and workforce readiness. Lopez referenced the public mapping portal (maps.connect.nm.gov), urged continued coordination with tribes and federal agencies and said the office is administratively attached to the Department of Information Technology for procurement and finance functions.
