Resound-FW-Bernalillo County
This project will expand broadband access to unserved and underserved areas of Sandoval County, New Mexico, through the deployment of a next-generation fixed wireless network using a hybrid of licensed and unlicensed spectrum. The network will deliver reliable, high-speed internet service that exceeds the BEAD-defined 100/20 Mbps baseline and offers service tiers up to symmetrical 1 Gbps. These speeds are not hypothetical—they are actively being delivered by the applicant today in other deployments, including under the FCC’s RDOF Phase I program, confirming the proven technical performance and commercial viability of the proposed solution.  Residential internet plans will begin at symmetrical 1 Gbps for $85 per month, well below the BEAD affordability benchmark for this speed tier. All plans will include unlimited data, no throttling, and no long-term contract requirements. Business customers will be offered enhanced service packages with dedicated bandwidth, traffic prioritization, static IPs, and enterprise-level customer support. While this project area does not currently include any community anchor institutions (CAIs), the network architecture is designed to support CAIs with scalable capacity and service-level options should future demand emerge.  The project will connect 233 total broadband serviceable locations (BSLs), consisting of 199 unserved and 34 underserved premises, including 213 residences and 20 businesses. The communities served include Albuquerque, Algodones, Bernalillo, and Placitas—areas with documented broadband gaps caused by a combination of difficult topography, inconsistent permitting processes, and insufficient private sector return on investment. This project addresses those obstacles head-on with a wireless design optimized for rapid deployment, low cost per location, and scalable capacity.  The total project budget is $865,420, with $628,810 (73%) requested in BEAD grant funding. These funds will be used for critical elements of deployment, including procurement of radio equipment, tower enhancements, spectrum licensing, backhaul integration, and CPE installation. Without public investment, the cost to serve these communities would remain prohibitive, leaving residents and businesses without access to essential digital infrastructure.  The applicant will contribute $236,610 (27%) in matching funds, drawn from internal capital allocated for rural broadband expansion. This private investment will support labor, permitting, and contingency planning, ensuring that the project can proceed on schedule and withstand delays or cost fluctuations. The match demonstrates the applicant’s financial commitment and operational readiness to deliver on all aspects of the project.  Deployment will be completed over an 18-month period. Initial phases will focus on final engineering, environmental review, and permitting. Mid-phase activities include equipment procurement, tower modifications, and radio installation. Network activation will be phased and rolling, with customer onboarding beginning in areas as soon as infrastructure is operational. This phased approach enables faster access to service for many locations and aligns with BEAD expectations for timely execution.  The network will be supported by a 24/7 Network Operations Center (NOC) staffed by trained technicians responsible for real-time monitoring, performance optimization, and fault detection. The fixed wireless system will include redundant power configurations, remote diagnostic tools, and intelligent interference management capabilities to ensure consistent delivery of service that meets or exceeds BEAD technical standards for latency and uptime.  Operations and maintenance will be handled by in-house teams trained in fixed wireless deployment, RF management, and rural network servicing. These teams will be supported by a regional logistics system with spare equipment stockpiled for rapid field replacement in the event of hardware failure. The applicant conducts recurring internal training and certification programs to maintain a high standard of workforce readiness.  From a financial sustainability standpoint, the project is built on a conservative revenue model, with projected subscriber income from residential and commercial users fully covering operational expenses, technical support, and long-term capital reinvestment. The $85/month symmetrical 1 Gbps plan ensures affordability for consumers while also generating sufficient revenue to maintain and grow the network. The fixed wireless architecture also supports incremental capacity upgrades and geographic expansion without significant redesign or reinvestment, reinforcing the system’s long-term viability.  By delivering gigabit-capable service at an affordable price, this project will provide the foundational infrastructure required for economic growth, remote education, healthcare access, and digital inclusion in Sandoval County. The combination of proven wireless technology, a financially responsible deployment plan, and strong alignment with BEAD goals positions this project to generate immediate and sustained impact. With public funding support and private sector commitment, the applicant is ready to bring this underserved region fully into the modern digital economy.