Jul 9, 2026 · Department of Information Technology

FCC Commissioner visits Mescalero Apache Tribe

Contact: Office of Broadband Access and Expansion Mike Curtis, Michael.curtis@connect.nm.gov; (505) 231-4477

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 9, 2026

State broadband director joins FCC broadband tour on reservation

MESCALERO, NM – Federal Communications Commissioner Olivia Trusty took the opportunity to see firsthand how one of New Mexico’s Tribal communities is making key strides in developing its own broadband and telecommunications network to benefit its members.

Commissioner Trusty traveled from Washington, D.C. this week to visit Mescalero Apache Telecom, Inc. (MATI), the telecommunications provider owned by the Mescalero Apache Tribe in the south-central part of the state. MATI is a leader in establishing Tribal broadband, becoming the first in the state to provide fiber to 100% of its Tribal community.

“We had an amazing meeting with FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty,” said MATI General Manager Godfrey Enjady. “She exhibited a deep understanding of telecommunications issues and, specifically, those related to Tribal interests in expanding broadband access throughout not only Tribal areas but small telecommunications providers in general.”

Commissioner Trusty visited MATI’s new $44 million Administrative Office and Data Center, the Tribal hospital, a microwave tower, network hubs, offices and several subdivisions on the reservation. The successful broadband network serves 1,200 Tribal members which includes homes and businesses.

“My visit to Mescalero Apache Telecom drove home the economic, health, educational, and cultural benefits of broadband,” said Commissioner Trusty, “as well as other advanced communications technologies and the resulting importance of overcoming deployment challenges on Tribal lands.”

Enjady gave Trusty a detailed tour inside MATI’s new data center, which opened in April. The facility will expand high-speed internet services and provide support for education, public safety, digital inclusion, telehealth and economic growth on the reservation. The project is the result of a $44 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and separate loans.

Others on the tour included Jeff Lopez, the Director of New Mexico’s Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE), OBAE’s Tribal Coordinator and Liaison, Victory Quintana, the New Mexico Exchange Carrier Group, which represents ten independent rural telecommunications providers, and Mescalero Apache Tribal Council members.

“This was a great opportunity for Washington to see the value and importance of broadband connectivity in our Tribal communities,” said Lopez. “Commissioner Trusty can see what’s at stake here and the challenges Tribal and other rural regions face when it comes to broadband access.”

The visit included productive discussions between Trusty and New Mexico broadband leaders about fiscal challenges ahead and the needs for Tribal and rural communities in the state.

OBAE has worked tirelessly to help Tribes, Pueblos and Nations build broadband infrastructure to expand and deploy high-speed internet.

During the past two years, the state agency has awarded 32 state and federal grants to Tribal communities. These grants have provided more than $64 million to help build or expand broadband on Tribal lands.

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The Office of Broadband Access and Expansion is dedicated to serving New Mexico with a commitment to make high-speed broadband accessible to all New Mexicans. OBAE’s mission is to expand and improve high-speed internet service with passionate leadership that drives bold, equitable, affordable and inclusive broadband solutions. OBAE seeks results that honor the state’s rich heritage and elevate quality of life for all.