Navajo Nation Council approves $244,617,938 for broadband across all 110 chapters

The 25th Navajo Nation Council unanimously approved a historic investment totaling $244,617,938 to fund broadband infrastructure projects throughout the Navajo Nation, according to the Office of the Speaker.

Legislation No. 0109-26 appropriates $75,546,678.33 from the Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance to the Navajo Nation Broadband Office and approves the Broadband Infrastructure Projects Plan. The measure also authorizes $169,071,259 in debt financing from the CDFF, bringing the total investment in broadband infrastructure projects to $244,617,938.

The approved funding will expand broadband access to all 110 chapters across the Navajo Nation. Currently, 52 chapters are connected to fiber optic infrastructure, while the remaining 58 chapters will receive low Earth orbit satellite (LEO) internet service through Starlink as fiber networks are extended to those communities.

Starlink service is expected to be deployed within 90 days to provide immediate connectivity while long-term fiber construction continues.

The investment also includes matching funds for the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, which 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 enhancements will be carried out in three phases. Existing fiber-connected towers will be upgraded first, followed by extending fiber to additional sites. New towers will then be constructed in underserved areas to provide reliable broadband access to remaining households.

The legislation was sponsored by Budget and Finance Committee Vice Chairman Carl L. Slater.

“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,” said Delegate Slater.

Council Delegate Vince R. James called on the Navajo Nation Broadband Office to remain diligent, transparent, and accountable in administering the funding.

“I’m placing a great deal of trust in the broadband staff to manage and spend these funds responsibly,” Council Delegate James said.

As amended by the Budget and Finance Committee, the legislation also authorizes future debt financing through the Capital Development Financing Act (CDFA) for Phase 2 of the Dilkon Justice Center and the Tsé Bit’á’í Justice Center in Shiprock, N.M.

The Council unanimously approved the legislation on the consent agenda with a vote of 21 in favor and none opposed. Once certified and delivered to the Office of the President and Vice President, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren will have up to 10 calendar days to act on the resolution.