On Tuesday, Navajo Nation leadeers, including President Buu Nygren, Speaker Crystalyne Curley and Resources and Development Committee Chair Brenda Jesus joined chapter officials and representatives from the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) to celebrate the ribbon cutting of a new cell tower in Low Mountain, a project aimed at expanding telecommunications access for surrounding Navajo communities.
The new tower is expected to improve cellular coverage and broadband access for residents in Low Mountain and nearby communities that have long struggled with unreliable or nonexistent service.
Speaker Curley recognized the Navajo Nation Council’s Resources and Development Committee for prioritizing telecommunications infrastructure in underserved communities. She also thanked Low Mountain Chapter officials, the Community Land Use Planning Committee, and local residents who helped move the project forward.
“This moment is meaningful because many of our people have lived without reliable cell service for far too long,” said Speaker Curley. “Our families want access to the same tools and opportunities as everyone else. This project moves our communities forward by expanding access and creating opportunity.”
NTUA Deputy General Manager of Communications Systems Brian Thomason said the milestone represents years of work to improve connectivity throughout the Navajo Nation.
“Today’s celebration is a positive step in a journey that began in 2010,” said Thomason. “NTUA received a multimillion-dollar grant to help close the digital divide. This tower provides a platform for multiple communication systems, expanding services and connectivity.”
According to NTUA Wireless Project Manager Shannahelena Tachine, the new infrastructure will significantly improve wireless coverage in the region.
“The new tower extends coverage into Low Mountain valley and out to Whippoorwill and Jeddito,” said Tachine. “This project represents the NTIA Tribal Broadband Grant administered by NTUA on behalf of the Navajo Nation. The technology enables Choice Wireless to deliver high-speed internet, with a goal of making service affordable for everyone.”
Chair Jesus emphasized the importance of long-term planning and partnerships in bringing essential services to Navajo communities.
“We must look forward seven generations to bring services and opportunities to our communities and our children,” said Chair Jesus. “Through partnerships with NTUA and by utilizing federal and state grants, this project has become a reality.”
Speaker Curley said the project reflects years of collaboration and determination to remove barriers that prevented chapters from pursuing telecommunications projects.
“We worked with the RDC to remove barriers, including tower fees that chapters could not afford,” said Speaker Curley. “This is not about revenue. It is about providing a basic service to our people and our children.”
She also thanked community member Percy Begay and his family for granting grazing consent for the tower site, along with NTUA for its partnership throughout the process.
Looking ahead, Curley said the project represents only the beginning of broader efforts to improve digital infrastructure across the region.
“We want our children to come home to Low Mountain, go to school here, build businesses here, and succeed here,” said Speaker Curley. “This makes that possible. Our next step is expanding broadband capacity, including working toward 5G service in nearby communities like Many Farms and Pinon.”