DEMING — Luna County has been awarded $328,767 through the State of New Mexico’s Community Connect Program to expand free public Wi-Fi access at high-traffic county facilities across the community.
The funding will support a project titled “Free Wi-Fi for High Traffic Community Areas,” aimed at increasing reliable, high-speed internet access for residents who rely on public spaces for connectivity. The project will deploy indoor and outdoor Wi-Fi at several county-owned locations frequently used by low-income and digitally underserved populations.
County officials say limited access to reliable internet continues to be a barrier for many residents, particularly in a region facing higher-than-average unemployment and lower household income levels. The expanded network is expected to support access to telehealth services, online job applications, remote work, workforce training, education, and communication with family and public safety services.
“This project is about access and opportunity,” said Bryan Reedy, Community Development Director for Luna County. “Free public Wi-Fi at the places residents already gather for services, recreation, and support ensures that no one is left behind in today’s digital economy.”
Planned project locations include the Dispatch Center and Courthouse area, the Public Health Department, La Casa Healing House, Transitional Housing facilities, and the Starmax Recreation Center, including outdoor recreation spaces. In total, the network is expected to cover nearly 678,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor public space.
The project will install more than 20 advanced access points utilizing modern Wi-Fi technologies and fiber-supported backhaul, providing minimum speeds of 100/20 Mbps per connected device and the capacity to support hundreds of simultaneous users.
County officials say the investment represents a long-term commitment to digital equity, economic mobility, educational advancement, and improved public health access, while strengthening overall community connectivity throughout Luna County.