Press Release
A veteran-owned internet service provider in New Mexico is calling on NTIA to ‘prevent wasteful overbuilding.’
News provided by: NMSurf
NMSurf, a veteran-owned New Mexico internet service provider, is calling on the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to ensure that federal BEAD broadband funds are not used to overbuild areas where reliable service already exists.
In July, the state’s Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) required providers to submit detailed technical data within an impractical seven-day window, including subscriber-level details such as EIRP and antenna heights. NMSurf, like many small providers, was unable to complete this unnecessary and burdensome process.
Despite this, NMSurf already delivers broadband service that meets BEAD standards (≥100 Mbps download, ≥20 Mbps upload, <100 ms latency) across much of its footprint. The company argues that federal/state policymakers should rely on FCC Broadband Data Collection (BDC) mapping, which taxpayers have already funded and which accurately reflects coverage, instead of short re-submission windows that exclude smaller, veteran-owned ISPs.
“Taxpayer dollars should go to connecting the unserved, not to duplicating service where it already exists,” said Albert Catanach, Founder and CEO of NMSurf. “NTIA must prevent wasteful overbuilding and ensure that veteran-owned providers like NMSurf are not disadvantaged by unrealistic procedural requirements. The FCC maps already prove where service exists — they should be used as the standard.”
NMSurf urges NTIA to require reliance on FCC mapping, pause funding for areas already served, and ensure equitable treatment for veteran-owned small ISPs in New Mexico and across the country.
About NMSurf
NMSurf is a veteran-owned internet service provider serving communities across New Mexico with reliable fixed wireless broadband and fiber broadband. Founded with the mission to connect rural and underserved areas, NMSurf provides cost-effective and sustainable internet solutions that meet today’s broadband performance standards.
