New Mexico Broadband Access Has Reached 91 Percent
State infrastructure projects have connected 120,000 locations since 2022, with a 94 percent goal set for late 2026.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Telecommunications
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New Mexico has officially reached 91 percent broadband coverage across the state. This milestone follows the connection of 120,000 homes and businesses since 2022, supported by a combination of state and federal infrastructure investments.
Why it matters
Expanding high-speed connectivity is a critical priority for bridging the digital divide in rural areas, particularly for students in underserved school districts. The state now aims to build on this momentum to reach 94 percent coverage by the end of 2026.
The Office of Broadband Access and Expansion currently manages 60 distinct infrastructure projects. This effort utilizes $675 million in federal funding and $225 million in state appropriations to map and deploy connectivity.
The players
Office of Broadband Access and Expansion
A state agency created in 2021 that coordinates infrastructure grants and mapping data to increase high-speed internet availability.
The details
The state monitors progress by utilizing granular mapping data to track broadband availability across its various counties. This data informs the deployment of fiber-optic and wireless infrastructure projects that directly connect residential homes and local businesses. These efforts include providing dedicated internet access to rural students across 13 school districts, ensuring educational continuity in remote regions.
Timeline
2021: Office of Broadband Access and Expansion established by state legislation.
2022: Start of documented connectivity data collection.
October 1, 2026: Annual Data Collection Report released.
End of 2026: Projected 94 percent statewide broadband access.
The Tech Race
New Mexico's progress follows the mandate set by the New Mexico Broadband Access and Expansion Act, which requires systematic reporting to the Legislature. This regulatory framework serves as the primary driver for tracking state-level infrastructure milestones.
Residents in rural school districts are receiving immediate access to educational connectivity through ongoing projects. The state is currently evaluating the creation of an independent Office of Data and Mapping to refine how these service areas are identified.
The takeaway
Reliable connectivity is now reaching a significant majority of the state, with the next phase of the project focused on the final 6 percent. Observers should track the legislative recommendation to establish an independent Office of Data and Mapping to ensure sustained oversight.
What happens next
The state is currently scheduled to reach 94 percent broadband access by the end of 2026, with an annual data report due on October 1, 2026.
Further reading
For more on how the state manages infrastructure, visit the Telecommunications section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Telecompetitor.
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