A diverse network
Lumen provides the New Mexico Statewide Education Network with low-latency fiber-based wavelength technology, backbone circuits and network nodes.
It also provides centralized network design, management and support for the new school-focused broadband network.
The three-year contract, valued at more than $4.3 million in the first phase, will safely connect approximately 15,000 students at all 27 public schools in the Gadsden Independent School District in Santa Teresa, NM, and three charter schools in Albuquerque: 21st Century Public Academy, Mark Armijo Academy and Mountain Mahogany Community School.
Foundation of the middle mile
The new network is attracting attention.
Dozens of public schools in New Mexico have already agreed to become part of the Statewide Education Network. The goal of the network is to connect all schools in New Mexico by 2027.
But perhaps even more importantly, this project lays the foundation for a state-coordinated central mile network.
Middle-mile connectivity is critical to digital inclusion, equity and affordability as it closes the gap with last-mile broadband providers that connect homes and businesses to the Internet.
“Lumen is taking an innovative middle path in advancing digital inclusion, creating groundbreaking public-private partnerships that help bridge the digital divide,” said Michelle Watson, vice president of Lumen’s State, Local and Education business.
Lumen’s role in helping communities develop middle-mile networks is not limited to New Mexico.
Last October, Lumen was awarded a mid-mile fiber optic contract valued at over $400 million from the California State Department of Technology.
The investment in California will bring open-access Lumen middle-mile connectivity to hundreds of California communities by the end of 2026.
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