Frequently Asked Questions
New Mexico Student Connect Program


Your Content Goes Here

The Student Connect Program is a state-funded initiative by the New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) designed to bring high-speed internet to students in rural and underserved areas.

It helps ensure students can stay connected for schoolwork, even when they are at home—not just at school.

Many rural students don’t have reliable internet at home. This program was created to close that gap and support education access by funding broadband infrastructure.

Yes—eligible households can receive up to 3 years of free* internet service through the program on a 100 Mbps plan. This is made possible through state grant funding awarded to providers like TWN Communications. Certain eligibility requirements must be met. You can reach out to a TWN support representative to verify if your household qualifies.

Eligibility is determined through your local school district participation. The program is specifically for:

  • Students and school staff in rural public school districts
  • Households identified as unserved or underserved for internet access

In Silver City, this applies to eligible student households within the Silver Consolidated School District.
In Lordsburg, this applies to eligible student households within Lordsburg Municipal Schools.
In Virden, this applies to eligible student households who live in Virden, NM.

Our new service is next-level internet! We understand the frustration of trying to get service, and then due to obstructions or distance, not being able to gain access. But, with our new, state of the art network gear, nextGen Fixed Wireless is much more robust, and fights through obstacles that once stood in the way. You will be amazed at the speed and performance our new, nextGen plans offer.

After the program period ends:

  • You’ll have the option to continue service at standard rates
  • There is no obligation to continue receiving service.

Of course, we don’t want to see you go, but you may cancel at anytime without any fees.

With the NM Student Connect program, you do not have to commit to term.

The program offers a 100 Mbps connection using nextGen fixed wireless broadband, which:

  • Delivers internet from nearby towers to your home
  • Requires a small receiver installed at your residence
  • Works well in rural areas

Fixed wireless nextGen offers robust service with speeds up to 350 Mbps and a network that is both reliable and secure.

Yes. TWN offers faster options and you can pay the difference to upgrade.

Yes. TWN offers speeds up to 350 Mbps in the Silver City and Lordsburg areas, which supports:

  • Online classes and homework
  • Video calls and streaming
  • Multiple devices in one household
  • Work from home reliability
  • Multi-device security
  • And, unlimited data so you never have to be concerned about overage fees.

For eligible Student Connect households:

  • Installation and equipment are covered by the program funding
  • TWN will guide you through the process step-by-step

(Exact details are confirmed during eligibility check.)

It’s a partnership:

  • The State of New Mexico (OBAE) provides funding and oversight
  • TWN Communications delivers and supports the internet service locally

  • It is funded through the Connect New Mexico Fund, established by the state legislature
  • Projects must meet strict criteria and are approved by the state
  • TWN was selected to serve Silver City and Lordsburg because of its ability to deliver reliable service efficiently
  • TWN has been a trusted internet provider in the area for many years, has local support representatives who are a part of the community and strives to deliver on performance and reliability

You may still qualify for FREE internet if your current service is:

  • Too slow
  • Unreliable
  • Not meeting household needs

The program specifically targets underserved households, not just those with zero access.

It’s simple:

  • Call TWN or sign up online at 877-877-6861 or twncomm.com
  • Provide your address
  • A representative will confirm eligibility based on school district participation and approved addresses provided by the state

  • Better school performance with reliable access
  • Support for remote work and telehealth
  • Improved access to everyday online service

Twncomm.com/silver-city

Twncomm.com/lordsburg

877-877-6861

*Services provided by TWN Communications. Not available in all areas. With approved credit. Restrictions, terms, and conditions apply. Taxes, regulatory, surcharges, installation fees and other charges are applicable. Call for details or visit twncomm.com/terms-conditions for additional information and terms and conditions of services. Residential customers on qualifying Internet plans may receive maximum download speeds up to 350 Mbps, per respective plan. Actual download speeds will vary. Unlimited usage subject to “fair and normal” usage limitations as described in terms and conditions. †Digital Phone service. International call rates apply. Unlimited calling applies to local and long-distance calls within the contiguous United States. Digital Phone 911 Service operates differently than traditional 911. See https://www.twncomm/911.html for information. Unlimited usage subject to “fair and normal” usage limitations as described in terms and conditions. **FREE Student Connect internet is available to households that meet location-based eligibility requirements set by the New Mexico State Broadband Office. Free plans include a 100 Mbps internet connection. Eligibility verification is required. Service is for a limited-time and only valid while the student resides at the qualifying address and remains enrolled. The serviceable account must be held by a parent or guardian (18+) residing at the residence. Additional terms may apply. Please call for details.