PVT Invests $18.5 Million to Bring SE NM High-Speed Internet with the USDA ReConnect 4 Award

Artesia, NM - Peñasco Valley Telephone Cooperative, Inc. (PVT) will build more than 240 miles of fiber to 604 rural locations with a $13.9 million USDA ReConnect Grant. Awarded on April 3, it will be combined with a $4.6 million capital contribution from PVT, bringing the total value of the project to $18.5 million. The USDA ReConnect Program provides grants to connect broadband service in rural areas of the country. Funds will come from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act which provides funds to expand affordable, high-speed internet to communities across the U.S.

“PVT is committed to closing the digital divide and ensuring that everyone has the chance to thrive. Southeastern New Mexico has some of the most difficult terrain to build across, and that is why we are dedicating these resources to reaching everyone in our rural communities. We are excited to work towards a future where everyone we serve has high-speed internet access,” said Jim Meyers, PVT’s Chief Executive Officer.

In order to qualify for this award, PVT is participating in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP offers a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service to qualifying low-income households. Existing PVT customers who qualify for the ACP can apply for this benefit immediately.

Headquartered in Artesia, New Mexico and founded in 1949, PVT presently owns and operates the exchanges of Cottonwood, Hondo, Hope, Lakewood, Loco Hills, and Mayhill in Chaves, Eddy, Lincoln, and Otero counties located in Southeastern New Mexico. PVT serves customers over a 4,929 square mile area.

As a cooperative, PVT’s mission is to improve the quality of life in the communities it serves. PVT will continue to research, develop, and implement broadband technology to keep communities connected.

For more information on PVT's current construction projects that are bringing higher speeds to rural New Mexicans, visit pvt.com/fiber-construction.
More information on the ReConnect 4 program can be found at https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2023/04/03/biden-harris-administration-invests-40-million-bring-high-speed.

Contact info: Mitch Hibbard, Community Affairs and Economic Development Manager, 575-748-1241, communityaffairs@pvt.com