TWN-Hybrid-Southwest Core
TWN is pleased to submit this proposal to deploy a hybrid fiber-to-the-home and fixed wireless network in the southwest corner of New Mexico.  The network will leverage XGS-PON (10-Gigabit Symmetrical Passive Optical Network) technology, a fiber-based solution capable of providing symmetrical speeds of up to 10 Gbps. This architecture inherently supports scalability by allowing significant capacity upgrades without requiring extensive physical infrastructure changes, including upgrades to 50G-PON if necessary. TWN intends to offer multi-Gigabit service to fiber-fed locations upon deployment of its network, rendering the service offering highly robust from the outset.  Last mile connectivity for fixed wireless locations will be delivered by best-in-class Tarana G1 ngFWA platform capable of delivering up to 500 Mbps / 200 Mbps service generally, and with the ability to provision dedicated point-to-point solutions providing plan rates up to 1 Gbps symmetrical to eligible BSLs, including residential and commercial on an individual case basis.  Tarana’s G1 platform is designed specifically to ensure robust connectivity and capacity even in noisy wireless environments by leveraging unique technology for interference cancellation in licensed-by-rule CBRS (3.5Ghz) spectrum and unlicensed spectrum in the 6Ghz band. These characteristics address the technical and operational constraints that hindered unlicensed fixed wireless (ULFW) networks as a class in the past, and is in fact the model for the mitigation strategies set forth in Appendix A of NTIA’s June 6, 2025 Restructuring Policy Notice.  TWN will offer broadband internet services at competitive prices, with typical speeds ranging from 100 Mbps down / 20 Mbps up for the low-cost broadband service option up to 2 Gbps down/1Gbps up for TWN’s current highest tier.   This proposal covers project areas that fall within the boundaries of CNMEC:  Animas 01 (partial coverage), Belen 04, Cobre 01, Deming 01, Lordsburg 01, Silver City 03, Silver City 04, and Silver City 05, and will deliver service to 2330 of the 2492 unserved and underserved locations (99%) and six of the CAIs in the project area. TWN also will deploy private capital to serve CAIs, underserved locations, and served locations that are incidentally passed by the project network, bolstering the economics of the project.   The total project cost is $15,350,875.  TWN will provide a 88% cash match for each of the project areas in this application, or $13,482,075, and is requesting a grant of $1,868,800.   TWN expects to be able to complete the project in less than 36 months, from the day a subrecipient agreement is signed to the day the project is closed out.   TWN’s proposed project can easily scale speeds over time to meet the evolving connectivity needs of households and businesses and support the deployment of 5G, successor wireless technologies, and other advanced services.  This scalable design positions TWN to meet future speed and performance demands, ensuring that the network remains reliable and competitive as bandwidth requirements continue to grow without any additional grant funding. Whether driven by new applications, population increases, or emerging technologies, the proposed infrastructure is well-suited to adapt to evolving needs in a cost-efficient manner, and well within the available financial headroom forecasted in TWN’s business case.