Federal approval unlocks $382M broadband funds for McKinley County residents

The federal government approved New Mexico’s $382 million broadband infrastructure proposal on Jan. 12, unlocking funding to bring internet service to more than 42,500 unserved and underserved locations across the state. The approval clears the way for the New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion to award 31 grants through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s BEAD program, the state’s largest single broadband funding initiative.

Officials reviewed 90 applications and approved projects for 17 entities covering 32 of the state’s 33 counties, with the Navajo Nation receiving the largest single award at $111 million. “This investment will finally close the digital divide in New Mexico, bringing life-changing connectivity to many of the hardest to reach homes in our state,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said. The BEAD program itself was created under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed into law in 2021.

For McKinley County residents, many of whom live in rural and tribal communities, the decision could mean faster access to telemedicine, online education, remote work and small business opportunities. State officials report that roughly 90 percent of New Mexico already has high-speed internet today; with state and federal projects underway that figure was expected to reach 94 percent by the end of 2026. The BEAD approval secures the additional funding intended to push access to 100 percent of New Mexico addresses.

The approved projects reflect a technology-neutral approach: 43 percent fixed wireless, 42 percent fiber and 15 percent low Earth orbit satellite. Grant recipients include nine internet service providers and satellite companies, five cooperatives, and three tribal communities. Construction and service rollout can begin once OBAE executes contracts with each recipient, and the timeline for on-the-ground work will vary by project and location.

Remaining BEAD funds from New Mexico’s $675 million allocation will be targeted to community anchor institutions, 5G tower deployments and middle mile infrastructure to strengthen the backbone connecting regional networks. For McKinley County, that means not only household connections but potential upgrades to schools, clinics and government offices that serve as local digital hubs.

The immediate next steps for residents are straightforward: watch for contract awards and notice of construction in your area, and check with county offices or tribal broadband coordinators about project timelines and opportunities for local contracting. The takeaway? This funding rounds out statewide coverage, but real gains will show up block by block as crews build fiber, install wireless towers and bring satellite options online. Our two cents? Keep tabs with local officials and plan now for faster, more reliable connections that can change how you learn, work and get health care.