OAK SPRINGS, AZ — Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren joined community leaders, broadband officials, and residents on Thursday to celebrate the completion of the new Oak Springs broadband tower, marking another milestone in the Navajo Nation’s ongoing effort to expand connectivity and close the digital divide across the reservation.
Community members gathered at the Oak Springs Chapter House for a ribbon-cutting ceremony recognizing the new Oak Springs Monopole, which entered service in mid-May 2026 and now provides wireless broadband internet service to more than 320 households in the area.
President Nygren was joined by Oak Springs Chapter officials, NTUA Project Manager Shannahelena Tachine, NTUA Deputy General Manager of Communications Brian Thomason, Navajo Nation Council Delegate Brenda Jesus, and community members to commemorate the achievement.
Constructed by the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, the tower was funded through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP1), with the Navajo Nation Broadband Office managing the grant under the Executive Branch. The Oak Springs tower is one of two NTIA-funded towers serving the region alongside the Pine Springs tower.
For years, many families in Oak Springs struggled with limited or unreliable internet and cellular service. The new tower provides stronger connectivity for students completing schoolwork online, patients accessing telehealth services, businesses reaching customers, and families staying connected during emergencies.
“This project represents another important step toward closing the digital divide across the Navajo Nation,” said President Nygren. “Access to reliable internet is no longer a luxury—it is essential for education, healthcare, public safety, economic development, and everyday life. We are committed to ensuring our communities have the infrastructure needed to thrive in today’s world.”
Oak Springs Chapter President Andrew Lynch Jr. emphasized the importance of the project for local residents.
“This is a special day to help our community, to close the gaps that have been ongoing with communication we’ve had here,” said Lynch. “With this, we are able to improve and focus more on other projects as we go along.”
The project builds on previous connectivity investments in the community, including the Oak Springs Chapter Library fiber connection established through E-Rate funding, which provides free public internet access for residents.
The Oak Springs broadband tower also joins a growing list of broadband accomplishments achieved under the Nygren Administration. Recent efforts include communications towers in Nazlini and Low Mountain, fiber connections for 602 families in Ramah, completion of the Navajo Mountain fiber project, expanded chapter connectivity through E-Rate funding, and innovative satellite solutions helping connect some of the most remote communities across the Navajo Nation.
Together, these projects reflect a long-term commitment to modernizing infrastructure and creating opportunities for Navajo communities. Every tower constructed, every mile of fiber installed, every chapter connected, and every utility project completed strengthens the foundation being built for future generations.
The Oak Springs project is part of the Navajo Nation Broadband Plan 2.0 and demonstrates the continued collaboration between the Office of the President and Vice President, the Navajo Nation Broadband Office, NTUA, the Navajo Nation Council, chapter leadership, and community members.
“Today we celebrate more than a tower,” President Nygren added. “We celebrate greater access to education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and public safety. Every connection we make creates new opportunities for our people and helps ensure that future generations have the tools they need to succeed.”
