Left to right: Navajo Nation Broadband Office Sr. Programs and Projects Specialist Laura Johnson, Council Delegate Carl R. Slater, Broadband Office Department Manager Sonia Nez, and Americas Communication CEO Bernardo Portilla.
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz.- The 25th Navajo Nation Council recently unanimously approved a historic investment totaling $244,617,938 to fund broadband infrastructure projects throughout the Navajo Nation.
Legislation No. 0109-26 appropriates $75,546,678.33 from the Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance to the Navajo Nation Broadband Office and approves the Broadband Infrastructure Projects Plan.
"This measure underscores the need to address the broadband divide that exists on the Navajo Nation. Addressing this disparity will impact critical services that include public safety, education, emergency response, and healthcare. But most importantly, it will unlock the economic potential of our entrepreneurial people as we march into the digital age," said Budget and Finance Committee Vice Chairman Carl L. Slater.
The legislation also amends Council Resolution CJA-05-26, which enacted the Capital Development Financing Act and established the Capital Development Financing Fund (CDFF) to permit refinancing and reimbursement of funding sources. In addition, the measure authorizes $169,071,259 in debt financing from the CDFF, bringing the total investment in broadband infrastructure projects to $244,617,938.
The measure underscores the 25th Navajo Nation Council's commitment to expanding, improving, and modernizing broadband infrastructure in all chapters across the Navajo Nation, with the goal of providing reliable internet access to every household. The approved funding will expand broadband access to all 110 chapters across the Navajo Nation. Currently, 52 chapters are connected to fiber optic infrastructure, while the remaining 58 chapters will receive low Earth orbit satellite (LEO) internet service through Starlink as fiber networks are extended to those communities.
The investment also includes matching funds for the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, which is projected to connect approximately 31,000 homes to high-speed internet, with an estimated 6,000 homes expected to be connected by the end of the year.
Broadband enhancements will be carried out in three phases to expand 5G services. Existing fiber-connected towers will be upgraded first, followed by extending fiber and 5G capabilities to additional sites. New towers will then be constructed in underserved areas to provide reliable broadband access to remaining households.
