NAZLINI, Ariz. – The people of Nazlini marked a long-awaited milestone with the ribbon cutting of a new broadband tower—an investment not just in infrastructure, but in opportunity, connection, and the future.
Though unable to attend in person, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren joined the celebration by video—and in spirit—standing alongside the community as they took another step toward closing the digital divide.
The Office of the Navajo Nation President and Vice President’s Chief of Staff Sharen Sandoval also joined the community of Nazlini to celebrate.
For many years, Nazlini has been considered “off the grid,” but the community has never stopped advocating for better infrastructure. Working with the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) Communication Systems Division, Choice Wireless, and federal partners through National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) grants, this new tower now brings critical broadband and wireless capacity to the area.
“With the establishment of the Nazlini Broadband Tower, we are taking a meaningful step toward closing the digital divide for the Diné People,” said President Nygren. “For example, students will be able to access online resources, businesses can use digital card readers, and the Navajo Nation will be able to advance with modern society. This is only the beginning as we continue our promise of connectivity across the Navajo Nation.”
Since 2010, NTUA has deployed nearly 600 miles of fiber optic cable and built more than 140 towers across the Navajo Nation to extend high-speed internet and cell coverage into rural chapters. The Nazlini tower is part of that long-term effort.
Funded through NTIA broadband grants, this project helps keep costs lower for families while expanding service to a community that has waited a long time for reliable connectivity.
Deputy General Manager of NTUA’s Communication Systems Division Brian Thomason stated, “This new tower in Nazlini is a positive event… as it provides a platform for communication services to be added. We’re very proud to be part of this capability in providing this service.”
The tower’s design allows for co-location by multiple carriers: NTUA builds and maintains the infrastructure, Choice Wireless serves local customers, and other major providers like AT&T and Verizon can lease space on the tower to expand coverage.
This means better service for:
- Students who need fast, stable internet for homework, online classes, and college applications
- Elders and families who rely on telehealth and digital communication,
- First responders and public safety officials who depend on strong signals during emergencies
- Small businesses and entrepreneurs who need online access to customers and markets.
Ahéhee’ to NTUA, Choice Wireless, our federal partners at NTIA, and the Nazlini community for helping bring this vision to life.
