WINDOW ROCK – The Navajo Nation Broadband Office (NNBO) and the ConnectDiné team announced today, on September 11, a historic milestone in bringing high-speed internet to Navajo homes and communities.
The Nation has been preliminarily awarded $111 million in New Mexico and $148 million in Arizona under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. These represent the largest individual awards from the states’ BEAD allocations.
These preliminary awards are part of the final proposals submitted by the state broadband offices of Arizona and New Mexico to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). NTIA will conduct a federal review before making final approvals.
“This is the largest single investment in broadband infrastructure for the Navajo people,” said Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren. “It is the next big step in closing the digital divide across our Nation.”
Once NTIA confirms the awards, the Navajo Nation will not serve as the broadband provider. Instead, NNBO will issue competitive bids or establish partnerships to experienced regional and national providers. This ensures accountability, timely construction, and reliable service.
While challenges remain, this BEAD investment marks the greatest opportunity yet to deliver reliable, affordable, high-speed internet to Navajo families, schools, businesses, and institutions.
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