WINDOW ROCK – The Navajo Nation will expand broadband access, following a major funding award through the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program in partnership with the State of Arizona.
The Nation has been awarded nearly $150 million—one of the largest single allocations to any tribal nation in the country—as part of Arizona’s broader broadband investment strategy.
This funding represents a critical step toward closing the digital divide and ensuring that Navajo families have access to reliable, high-speed internet.
“We are grateful to the State of Arizona and Governor Katie Hobbs for their leadership and commitment to ensuring our communities are not left behind,” said Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren. “This investment gives us a real opportunity to connect our people—whether through fiber, fixed wireless, or satellite and bring essential services directly into our homes.”
The project is expected to connect 17,000 homes and community anchor institutions across the Navajo Nation, making it one of the largest broadband expansion efforts in the state. Navajo Nation’s award accounts for roughly one-third of Arizona’s total BEAD funding, underscoring both the scale of need and the significance of this investment.
Broadband access is a necessity to support education, healthcare, economic development, and public safety.
During the COVID-19 pandemic Navajo students and families were forced to travel long distances or sit outside public buildings just to access internet services. This investment aims to ensure that those challenges become a thing of the past.
“This funding will directly impact our rural communities, where connectivity remains limited or nonexistent,” Speaker Crystalyne Curley continued “It will open doors for our students, improve access to telehealth services, and strengthen economic opportunities across the Nation.”
Construction is expected to begin as early as late 2026, following final approvals and contracting, with completion anticipated by 2030. Navajo Nation leadership reaffirmed its commitment to working in close partnership with the State of Arizona to meet aggressive federal timelines and deliver results for Navajo families.
