SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Information Technology on Monday announced a new public-private partnership that will build much-needed broadband infrastructure in southeastern New Mexico to accommodate the current economic expansion occurring in the Permian Basin.

ExxonMobil, the state of New Mexico and Plateau Telecommunications, Inc., will develop a $5 million fiber network offering advanced broadband services to businesses along a 107-mile route beginning east of Carlsbad and running to Jal. 

“My administration is always seeking out additional mechanisms to leverage public and private resources for the maximum benefit to New Mexicans,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

“This collaboration will provide greater connectivity for area businesses, schools and households, and make southeast New Mexico a safer place to live and work,” said Staale Gjervik, senior vice president, ExxonMobil Unconventional and president of XTO Energy. “The new service also expands communications capabilities for ExxonMobil, allowing the company to leverage real-time data analysis from field processes and increase efficiency in our operations.”

"Once construction is complete, this partnership will improve communications services in the region,” said Information and Technology Secretary Vince Martinez. “It will benefit the oil and gas industry, government agencies, and private citizens.”

“Plateau is both honored and excited to be a partner in this endeavor,” Plateau CEO David J. Robinson. “As a company driven by cooperative values, we believe all areas of the state deserve to have access to the best broadband technology at a fair price. We look forward to collaborating to bring fiber to underserved areas of rural southeast New Mexico.”

The broadband will be installed in four segments, starting just east of Carlsbad.

Construction has already begun with completion scheduled for August 2020.