The Navajo Nation is poised for a major expansion of high-speed internet access after securing roughly $285 million in federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding across three states — the largest broadband infrastructure investment ever awarded to a tribal nation.
The milestone was celebrated on February 12 during New Mexico’s Legislative Session Broadband Day, where Resources and Development Committee Vice Chair Casey Allen Johnson joined officials from the Navajo Nation Broadband Office (NNBO) and New Mexico’s Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) to mark the occasion.
New Mexico awarded $111 million to the Navajo Nation — the state’s largest single BEAD subrecipient award — as part of its $382 million statewide broadband infrastructure plan approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Arizona contributed $140 million and Utah added $26 million, bringing the Nation’s total BEAD funding to approximately $285 million. Together with other secured grants, the funds will support a $373 million Navajo Nation BEAD Program that aims to connect thousands of households to high-speed internet through infrastructure the tribe will own and control.
“This is the largest funding ever awarded to a tribal nation in terms of building broadband infrastructure for our Navajo people,” said Vice Chair Johnson, adding that the investment would reach even the most remote communities on the Nation.
Under the program structure, the Navajo Nation serves as the BEAD applicant and subgrantee rather than the internet service provider. Networks will be built and operated by qualified service providers selected through competitive bidding or direct partnership. The approach mirrors broader state and federal strategies, blending fiber, licensed fixed wireless, and lower-orbit satellite technologies. In New Mexico alone, the plan targets roughly 11,000 unconnected or underserved homes.
OBAE Executive Director Jeffrey Lopez praised the Nation’s approach, saying the mix of technologies and collaborative model aligned well with both state and federal goals. “It is a very good project that meets the moment,” he said.
NNBO Executive Director Sonia Nez emphasized that reliable broadband unlocks far more than just internet access — it enables remote work, online education, and telehealth services that can meaningfully improve residents’ physical and mental health outcomes. She also pointed to the economic implications of increased competition among service providers.
“Increased competition is the most effective path to improving affordability, service quality, and long-term benefits for our people,” Nez said.
Beyond BEAD, the RDC, NNBO, and Connect Diné are pursuing a broader connectivity agenda that includes expanding access to local chapters, building out 5G infrastructure across the Nation, and supporting institutional programs like E-Rate. Officials describe these parallel efforts as part of a comprehensive, long-term strategy to close the digital divide and expand economic opportunity across Navajo communities.
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