Native News
Navajo Nation Council Approves Historic $244.6 Million Investment to Expand Broadband Access
The 25th Navajo Nation Council on Thursday unanimously approved a historic $244.6 million investment to expand broadband infrastructure across the Navajo Nation, marking one of the largest commitments to internet connectivity in tribal history.
The measure, Legislation No. 0109-26, was sponsored by Budget and Finance Committee Vice Chairman Carl L. Slater and passed on the Council’s consent agenda by a vote of 21-0.
The legislation appropriates $75.5 million from the Navajo Nation’s Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance to the Navajo Nation Broadband Office and approves the Broadband Infrastructure Projects Plan. It also authorizes an additional $169.1 million in debt financing through the Capital Development Financing Fund, bringing the total broadband investment to $244.6 million.
“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,” Slater said. “I thank my colleagues on the 25th Navajo Nation Council for their support of this historic measure.”
The legislation amends Council Resolution CJA-05-26, which established the Capital Development Financing Fund, allowing for refinancing and reimbursement of funding sources tied to major infrastructure projects.
Council leaders said the investment reflects the Council’s commitment to expanding, improving, and modernizing broadband infrastructure in all 110 chapters across the Navajo Nation, with the goal of eventually providing reliable internet access to every household.
Under the plan, broadband access will be expanded to all 110 chapters. Currently, 52 chapters are connected to fiber-optic infrastructure. The remaining 58 chapters will receive low Earth orbit satellite internet service through Starlink while fiber networks are extended into those communities.
Officials said Starlink service is expected to be deployed within 90 days, providing immediate connectivity as long-term fiber construction continues.
The investment also includes matching funds for the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. The program 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 improvements will be implemented in three phases focused on expanding 5G service throughout the Navajo Nation. The first phase will upgrade existing fiber-connected towers. The second phase will extend fiber and 5G capabilities to additional sites, while the third phase will construct new towers in underserved areas to provide reliable broadband service to remaining households.
Council Delegate Vince R. James emphasized the importance of accountability as the project moves forward.
“I’m placing a great deal of trust in the broadband staff to manage and spend these funds responsibly,” James said. “When the Council has questions, do not ignore us. If you are asked to provide a report on how this money is being used, be transparent and keep the Council informed.”
In addition to broadband funding, the legislation authorizes future debt financing through the Capital Development Financing Act for Phase 2 of the Dilkon Justice Center and the Tsé Bit’á’í Justice Center. The Dilkon project will include facilities for adult corrections, juvenile services, public safety, and support services. The Shiprock-based justice center will house law enforcement offices, courts, peacemaking services, criminal investigations, probation services, a detention facility, and a medical examiner’s building.
The legislation now heads to the desk of Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, who will have up to 10 calendar days to sign, veto, or otherwise act on the resolution once it is certified and delivered to the Office of the President and Vice President.