Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has announced the completion of three broadband projects that have brought high-speed internet to over 500 rural locations in Cibola and McKinley counties. These initiatives were executed by the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE).
“Rural New Mexicans need reliable internet access and we’re delivering it,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “These projects deliver real results—connecting families to telehealth, students to online learning, and businesses to new markets.”
Jeff Lopez, director of OBAE, emphasized the mission behind these efforts: “These projects define our mission to bring sustainable, reliable broadband to communities that lack this vital service.” He also acknowledged the collaboration with internet service providers.
The project in Cibola County was led by OSO Internet Solutions, deploying a nearly 50-mile fiber network that connects 109 homes in Pine Meadow Ranches near Ramah. This $5,789,283 project utilized an ARPA grant and involves collaboration with Lumen Technologies.
In McKinley County, Sacred Wind/Ethos Broadband used a $1,041,926 ARPA grant for fixed wireless systems serving 410 locations across two areas: Western Skies subdivision in Gallup and Thoreau.
Senator Martin Heinrich expressed his support: “I’m proud to welcome $6.8 million from legislation I helped pass into law to connect New Mexicans living in Cibola and McKinley counties to high-speed internet.”
Senator Ben Ray Luján also commented on the importance of these projects: “The completion of these critical broadband projects will bring much-needed high-speed internet to rural communities across Cibola and McKinley Counties.”
Representative Teresa Leger Fernández highlighted the significance for rural and Tribal communities: “High-speed internet is not a luxury—it’s essential for school, work, health care, and opportunity.”
Rep. Gabe Vasquez praised the impact on his district: “The completion of these three broadband projects is a big win for our district.”
Sonia Nez from the Navajo Nation Broadband Office noted their successful collaboration with OBAE: “This achievement means more Navajo families now have the vital tools to access online healthcare.”
All completed projects provide customers with broadband speeds of 100/100 mbps download/upload.
