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County hears update on RUS-funded fiber project, company outlines rollout and pricing
Summary
Western New Mexico Communications updated the commission on a 78-mile, RUS grant-funded fiber-to-home build serving roughly 1,459 unserved or underserved locations; company said first customer connections are expected within weeks and announced introductory residential pricing starting at $49.99.
Corey Webb of Western New Mexico Communications told the Luna County Commission that the company is building the first phase of a 78-mile fiber project funded by a $25,000,000 Rural Utilities Service grant.
"It's part 1 of 3 on a $25,000,000 grant from the RUS that goes from Silver City to Deming," Webb said, describing the stretch that will bring broadband access to an estimated 1,459 unserved and underserved locations. Webb said the build for this phase began Jan. 6, is a 200-day segment of work and is part of a broader five-year program.
The company will offer a low-income residential package at 50/50 Mbps for $49.99 and a 1 Gbps synchronous package for $94.99, Webb said. He told commissioners he expects splicing to start within about two weeks and the first customers to be turned up within 30–45 days for the initial pond areas; the bulk of phase-one customers should be connected by October. Webb also reported intermittent vandalism and fiber cuts that have caused short delays.
Webb said the build is a passive optical network in seven "pond" areas and that the company is designing two fixed wireless tower sites to provide a broadband-only 5G LTE service to dispersed locations not covered by the grant. "So some of these locations that are outside of that grant will continue to build out and ensure that we can service more of the community," he said.
Commissioners thanked staff and the company for coordination with county road crews and permitting. Webb credited county manager Bryce and county staff for assistance during permitting and construction. The county did not take formal action on the presentation; commissioners asked that staff continue to monitor progress and publicize service options and pricing when customer sign-up opens.
