The New Mexico Broadband Equity Fund application is now closed.
Groundworks New Mexico is hosting the New Mexico Broadband Collective, made up of a diverse group of funders, tribal, nonprofit, and government representatives across the state to support a statewide approach to ensuring that broadband services are available to all New Mexicans. Rural communities, Native communities, and other communities of color are most impacted by the lack of broadband connectivity. The Broadband Collective, which was established in March 2021, recognizes the necessity of a statewide approach to coordinate efforts to ensure all New Mexicans have access to broadband.
In 2022, the Broadband Collective granted $455,000 to the following nine organizations and tribes:
Colores United (Luna County) $75,000
To increase connectivity by amplifying Wifi at key locations in Colombus, New Mexico, such as the town library, city hall, senior center, Borderlands Café and other locations, over two years. The town of Columbus has a population of 1,600 residents, many of whom do not have access or reliable access to Wifi.
El Valle de Anton Chico Library (San Miguel and Guadalupe County) $35,540
To purchase equipment and supplies that will allow the library to implement various programs, including coding for girls, early literacy and bilingual programs, as well as basic computer applications to support the community.
Jicarilla Apache Nation Power Authority (Rio Arriba and Sandoval County) $19,740
To upgrade the tribal office’s computer systems. The JAN is working to upgrade the fiber optic infrastructure throughout the entire community and the tribal office computer system upgrades are needed to better integrate the technology for the overall broadband improvements.
Picuris Pueblo (Taos County) $59,904.
To develop, install and operate high-speed broadband service that would be 100 perce3nt owned and operated by the tribe. The pueblo has been closed since the COVID-19 pandemic begin, and many residents, especially tribal students, do not have access. The tribal utilities department will take the lead on this two-year project.
Pueblo of Cochiti (Sandoval) $40,500
To expand the pueblo’s IT department, which currently comprises two people; and the completion of fiber to homes of Cochiti Pueblo residents. The pueblo consists of approximately 1,800 residents, all of whom are served by a single T1 connection.
Pueblo of Laguna Utility Authority (Cibola County) $71,596
To continue to expand the reach of broadband in the Laguna Pueblo community. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a need for network upgrade, as the current system serves 500 tribal members.
REDINet (Santa Fe and Rio Arriba County) $44,720
For system equipment that will allow the group to have an uninterrupted power supply. REDINet is a high-speed, open access community broadband network located in Northern New Mexico and owned and operated by a consortium of local and tribal governments. The consortium was set up to bring broadband services at affordable prices to constituencies.
True Kids 1 (Taos County) $33,000
For a “laptop library” and to train a “Student Squad,” comprised of students in Taos County schools on different operating systems and reduced and free internet service available to community members. The students will then train other senior citizens, families and community members.
Yee Ha’oolniidoo (San Juan and McKinely Counties) $75,000
To primarily bridge the digital divide in the Navajo communities of Ramah and Sheep Springs. This grant will support a community planning process, broadband needs assessment and strategic plan.
The Broadband Collective comprises various workgroups focused on: providing funding and technical assistance to support community and regional efforts; ensuring there is equitable and effective use of technology statewide; engaging in advocacy; and coordinating federal and state broadband resources and opportunities.
With the support and partnership of the New Mexico Foundation, the New Mexico Broadband Equity Fund will support efforts to secure broadband in hard-to-connect communities. You can support this fund by clicking the button below and selecting “New Mexico Broadband Equity Fund.”