New Mexico Statewide Education Network picks Lumen to connect K-12 public schools

Rhea-AI Summary

Lumen Technologies (NYSE: LUMN) has been selected by the New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion to provide nearly 900 miles of high-speed fiber connectivity to K-12 public schools across the state. The three-year contract, worth over $4.3 million in its first phase, will connect approximately 15,000 students in the Gadsden Independent School District and three charter schools in Albuquerque. Lumen will deliver secure high-speed connectivity using advanced fiberoptic wave technology, backbone circuits, and network nodes.

The project is part of the New Mexico Statewide Education Network, which aims to interconnect all New Mexico schools by 2027 and lay the foundation for a state-coordinated middle mile network. This initiative is important for digital inclusivity, equity, and affordability, bridging the gap to last-mile broadband providers. The network's first connection was celebrated at Albuquerque's 21st Century Public Academy, marking a significant step in New Mexico's commitment to technology in schools.

Positive

• Secured a $4.3 million contract for the first phase of the New Mexico Statewide Education Network project
• Will provide high-speed fiber connectivity to approximately 15,000 students across multiple school districts
• Positioning Lumen as a key player in bridging the digital divide and fostering digital inclusivity
• Potential for expansion as the project aims to connect all New Mexico schools by 2027

Negative

• None.

Insights

Education Technology Specialist

This initiative marks a significant step towards digital equity in New Mexico's education system. By providing high-speed fiber connectivity to K-12 public schools, including charter and tribal institutions, Lumen is addressing a critical need in modern education. The 900 miles of fiber infrastructure will enable advanced learning opportunities, potentially transforming educational outcomes.

The $4.3 million first phase, connecting 15,000 students across multiple districts, demonstrates a substantial investment in educational technology. This project's scale suggests a long-term commitment to improving digital infrastructure in schools, which could lead to enhanced learning experiences, better access to online resources and improved collaboration tools for both students and teachers.

However, the true impact will depend on how effectively schools leverage this new connectivity. Educator training and curriculum adaptation will be important to maximize the benefits of this technological upgrade.

Telecommunications Analyst

Lumen's selection for this project underscores its strong position in the public sector telecommunications market. The contract not only provides immediate revenue but also positions Lumen for potential expansion as the Statewide Education Network aims to connect all New Mexico schools by 2027.

The focus on middle-mile connectivity is particularly noteworthy. This approach addresses a critical infrastructure gap and could lead to improved internet access and affordability beyond just schools. By laying the groundwork for a state-coordinated middle mile network, Lumen is positioning itself as a key player in broader digital inclusion efforts.

Investors should note that while the initial $4.3 million contract is modest relative to Lumen's overall revenue, the strategic importance and potential for expansion make this a significant win. It demonstrates Lumen's ability to secure government contracts and contribute to digital equity initiatives, which could lead to similar opportunities in other states.

Thousands of New Mexico students to benefit from classroom connectivity

DENVER, Aug. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion recently selected Lumen Technologies (NYSE: LUMN) to provide nearly 900 miles of high-speed fiber connectivity to K-12 public schools around the state, including charter and tribal schools.

Connecting the first school

The company is participating in a ribbon-cutting ceremony today with state education and broadband officials at Albuquerque's 21st Century Public Academy, which is the first school to be connected to the New Mexico Statewide Education Network. 

"We at the Statewide Education Network are very excited that this school-centric network is finally operational and to be working with Lumen and other national and local providers alike in this extraordinary endeavor involving school connectivity," said Ovidiu Viorica, Statewide Education Network Broadband and Technology Manager. "This achievement demonstrates New Mexico's commitment to technology in schools and to develop a powerful, collaborative, and creative learning environment for students."

"Our work with the New Mexico Statewide Education Network is part of Lumen's commitment to unleash the power of our massive fiber network to bridge the digital divide, foster digital inclusivity and create new opportunities for all Americans to thrive in today's interconnected world," said Michelle Watson, vice president of Lumen's State, Local and Education business. "Lumen is delivering secure high-speed connectivity to public schools and classrooms that will create more opportunities for learning, collaboration and lesson sharing among students and teachers across New Mexico."

Network design

Lumen provides the latest and greatest high-capacity, low-latency fiberoptic wave technology, backbone circuits, network nodes and cost-effective centralized network design, management and support to the new school-focused broadband network.

The three-year contract is worth more than $4.3 million during the first phase, which will securely link approximately 15,000 students at all 27 public schools in the Gadsden Independent School District in Santa Teresa, N.M., and at three charter schools in Albuquerque—21st Century Public Academy, Mark Armijo Academy, and Mountain Mahogany Community School.

Program goals

Dozens of public schools across New Mexico are committed to being a part of the Statewide Education Network, which plans to interconnect all New Mexico schools by 2027. This effort will lay the foundation for a state-coordinated middle mile network.

Middle-mile connectivity is critical to digital inclusivity, equity, and affordability because it bridges the gap to the last-mile broadband providers that connect homes and businesses to the internet.

"Lumen is taking an innovative middle-mile approach to addressing digital inclusion and creating pioneering public-private partnerships that help bridge the digital divide," Watson said.

Additional Resources: 

• Learn more about how the state of California tapped Lumen for a massive mile-mile fiber network expansion: The California Department of Technology tackles digital divide, taps network giant Lumen for massive fiber expansion - Oct 25, 2023
• Learn more about how Lumen's public-private partnerships are solving for digital inclusion: https://news.lumen.com/how-partnerships-are-solving-for-digital-inclusion
• Learn more about how Lumen is supporting middle-mile infrastructure for higher education: https://blog.lumen.com/higher-education-regional-networks-help-address-the-rural-middle-mile-challenge/
• Learn more about how Lumen is supporting the public sector here: https://www.lumen.com/public-sector.html

About Lumen Technologies:
Lumen connects the world. We are igniting business growth by connecting people, data, and applications – quickly, securely, and effortlessly. Everything we do at Lumen takes advantage of our network strength. From metro connectivity to long-haul data transport to our edge cloud, security, and managed service capabilities, we meet our customers' needs today and as they build for tomorrow. For news and insights, visit news.lumen.com, LinkedIn: /lumentechnologies, X: @lumentechco, Facebook: /lumentechnologies, Instagram: @lumentechnologies and YouTube: /lumentechnologies. Learn more about Lumen's public sector capabilities on X at @lumengov and on LinkedIn at @lumenpublicsector.

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SOURCE Lumen Technologies

FAQ

What is the value of Lumen's contract with the New Mexico Statewide Education Network?

Lumen's three-year contract with the New Mexico Statewide Education Network is worth more than $4.3 million during the first phase.

How many miles of fiber connectivity will Lumen provide for the New Mexico school project?

Lumen will provide nearly 900 miles of high-speed fiber connectivity to K-12 public schools around New Mexico.

Which school districts will benefit from Lumen's connectivity project in New Mexico?

The project will initially benefit all 27 public schools in the Gadsden Independent School District in Santa Teresa, N.M., and three charter schools in Albuquerque.

What is the goal of the New Mexico Statewide Education Network project involving Lumen (LUMN)?

The goal is to interconnect all New Mexico schools by 2027 and lay the foundation for a state-coordinated middle mile network, promoting digital inclusivity and equity.