Almost half of New Mexico’s broadband funding promised by the federal government remains frozen in bureaucratic limbo, stalling the initiatives to connect underserved communities and raising concerns over delays in the country’s largest internet expansion program.
State officials have urged the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to release the remaining $293 million under the program, Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD). The program is a flagship federal initiative approved by Congress in 2021 that sought to expand high-speed internet nationwide.
‘Last mile’ projects
The funding bottleneck occurs despite federal approval of New Mexico’s plan to allocate $382 million for so-called “last-mile” projects. These connections aim to link homes and businesses to broadband networks. The state is set to receive a total of $675 million under BEAD.
But the remaining funds, allocated for nondeployment projects such as 5G infrastructure and connectivity for public institutions, are caught in what state officials describe as a federal policy standstill.
The NTIA must release these funds “to ensure New Mexico reaches its goals of broadband deployment, digital opportunity, and workforce development,” Jeff Lopez, director of the state’s broadband office, said in a statement.
The delay appears linked to pending federal guidance. The NTIA had already committed to issuing new rules for states accessing the remaining funds by early March. But there is no updates about the matter as of writing.
Broadband funding still in limbo
In a February 17 letter to NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth, New Mexico’s broadband office called for immediate action. It cited readiness to implement 31 projects involving a mix of internet service providers, cooperatives, satellite companies, and tribal communities.
The funds still in limbo are intended to support broader digital infrastructure, including connectivity for schools, colleges, libraries, healthcare facilities, and emergency services. These sectors were seen as critical to closing the digital divide.
State officials have warned that delayed federal action could slow down the progress toward universal connectivity, especially in underserved rural and tribal areas.
“Achieving universal connectivity takes more than infrastructure construction,” Lopez said. “Many support services, programs, and other projects are necessary to ensure all New Mexicans have the broadband resources to succeed.”
New Mexico’s broadband targets remain tethered to federal timelines. This situation highlights the complex interplay between funding, policy, and the urgency of digital inclusion.