The Navajo Nation Council has approved a $244.6 million investment to expand broadband infrastructure across the Navajo Nation, advancing one of the largest internet connectivity initiatives undertaken by a tribal government in the United States.
The funding package combines $75.5 million from the Navajo Nation’s Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance with $169.1 million in debt financing through the Capital Development Financing Fund. It also includes matching funds for the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program.
The Navajo Nation Broadband Office will implement the Broadband Infrastructure Projects Plan, which aims to provide broadband service across all 110 chapters. Currently, 52 chapters have fiber-optic connectivity. The remaining 58 chapters will receive Starlink satellite internet service while crews continue extending the fiber network.
Officials expect to deploy satellite service within 90 days, providing interim connectivity before permanent fiber infrastructure reaches those communities. The broader program is expected to connect about 31,000 homes to high-speed internet, including approximately 6,000 homes by the end of the year.
The broadband expansion will roll out in three phases. The first phase will upgrade existing fiber-connected telecommunications towers to improve 5G coverage. The second phase will extend fiber and 5G infrastructure to additional sites. The final phase will construct new towers in underserved areas to expand reliable broadband access across the Navajo Nation.