SANTA FE — Six grants to implement or expand public Wi-Fi service across New Mexico were awarded to two cities, two counties, a university and an internet service provider, according to a Feb. 11 press release from the New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE).

These grants are designed to expand free Wi-Fi in public places, such as plazas, parks and municipal buildings.

“Public Wi-Fi is essential for providing accessibility and convenience in communities across New Mexico,” said Neala Krueger, OBAE state grants senior program manager.

The Community Connect Grant Program provides grants to roll out or expand Wi-Fi in public places, focusing on areas with poor connectivity or lacking digital inclusion.

“These Wi-Fi projects will complement the enormous fiscal investment the state has made in building broadband infrastructure to homes, businesses and farms,” said Andrew Wilder, OBAE’s policy and programs bureau chief.

OBAE had $7.19 million budgeted for the public Wi-Fi grants.

Right now, about $460,000 is available, and OBAE is working with a seventh entity on an application to use those remaining funds.

—Roswell Daily Record