Sierra County gains high-speed broadband for nearly 3,000 locations.

Nearly 3,000 homes, businesses and institutions in Truth or Consequences and Williamsburg now have access to high-speed fiber internet after a state-funded project finished under its $14.5 million budget.

Nearly 3,000 locations in Sierra County now have access to high-speed fiber internet after a state-funded broadband project was completed. The work reached homes, businesses, farms and community institutions in Truth or Consequences and Williamsburg. The project finished ahead of schedule and under its $14.5 million budget. State officials say the work used grant funding tied to federal American Rescue Plan Act resources. Project details: - The project will connect 2,932 previously unserved or underserved locations, including 2,758 homes, 137 businesses, 3 farms and 34 community anchor institutions such as hospitals, public buildings and schools. - OBAE awarded New Mexico-based Ethos Broadband an $8.5 million grant through the ARPA Capital Projects Fund to build nearly 50 miles of fiber in Truth or Consequences. - Ethos Broadband reports the network can deliver speeds up to 8 gigabits per second to residences. - Construction came in under the $14.5 million total budget and was completed ahead of schedule. - Remaining funds are being used to build a fiber extension to Spaceport America, and separate grants will support public Wi-Fi in Elephant Butte and at Caballo Lake State Park. Summary: The new fiber network brings high-speed service and reported improvements in reliability and affordability for thousands of local addresses. Officials say the under-budget completion allowed an added fiber extension to Spaceport America and further public connectivity projects. OBAE is overseeing multiple ARPA-funded broadband projects and states its funding and commitments aim for full connectivity by the end of 2026.