New Mexico is expanding access to high-speed broadband services for public schools across the state.
The New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion is partnering with Lumen Technologies and other service providers to launch the Statewide Education Network (SEN).
“This network will give students across New Mexico the technological tools to share information and programs, providing new possibilities to engage students and teachers and to improve the quality of learning,” said Drew Lovelace, acting director of the state’s Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE).
As of now, nearly 50 schools are already plugged into the broadband network, which will eventually link public schools across the state. More than 26,000 students are currently connected to the network. SEN will enable teachers and students to share classes, resources, libraries, and access many educational websites.
The network is optional for schools, but OBAE notes that it will take the internet administrative burden away from school districts, allowing them to more fully focus on classroom instruction. Additionally, there is no cost for schools to join the network. OBAE also noted that SEN, which plans to connect all public schools by 2027, will supervise daily operations and cybersecurity of the network.
State officials said that more than 200 public schools across the state are already considering linking to the network. State officials noted that SEN is uniquely positioned to help enable rural and tribal schools to engage with other schools and communities through the high-speed school-centric internet network.
“A very important role of technology in our state is the teaching, learning and preservation of our precious cultural heritage,” said Public Education Secretary Dr. Arsenio Romero. “These new tools and techniques will help schools maximize educational outcomes and help our students graduate career and college ready.”
In terms of private sector contributions to SEN, Lumen Technologies is providing an internet backbone of nearly 900 miles of high-speed fiber to K-12 schools across the state.
“SEN will allow the delivery of a technology-rich curriculum that, in turn, will open the doors to a world of business and carrier opportunities,” said Ovidiu Viorica, statewide education network broadband and technology manager.