A lot has been said about the Broadband situation on the Navajo Nation. Most recently, there have been some comments that I wanted to pull together to show how it is being viewed in different articles.
[Gallup] internet providers owe us reliable, continuous service – March 4, 2022, Editorial, Gallup Independent
When there are few options, providers can get away with offering subpar service with hidden fees because people don’t have a choice.
Navajo families deserve competitive broadband services – Gallup Independent Guest Column, Delegate Kee Allen Begay
We can create a strategic plan to bring internet to more of our Navajo people. It means kids can go to school from home when necessary. It means that families can use telemedicine instead of driving miles to a clinic. It improves public safety and keeps us all more connected. Broadband internet is also a part of the foundation for a stronger, more modern Navajo economy. This is a pivotal moment for us.
It’s time for better, more permanent solutions that help more people – even in smaller communities and remote areas – access broadband internet and cell service right from their home.
Navajo Higher Education and Internet Providers Launch nonprofit Alliance – Gallup Independent Guest Column, Joy Thompson
Small tribes with less land mass have become somewhat of their own services providers by distributing internet services through outsourcing their broadband assets for a service provider to operate on their behalf. With the 27,000 square mile Navajo Reservation covering three states spanning twelve counties, the situation is much more complex and requires a multi-faceted solution.
New Mexico Examines Barriers to Navajo Internet Access – May 07, 2021 • Theresa Davis, Albuquerque Journal
Other barriers include tribes being unable to access unused spectrum on or near their lands, and a complicated federal approval process for tribal Internet projects that overlap with state or federal land. “We want every single New Mexican, no matter where they are, to be connected,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said.
Arizona Broadband Statewide Middle-Mile Strategic Plan – February 2022 – Arizona Commerce Authority
The Broadband Office reviewed the number of internet service providers (ISPs) servicing residential customers in each county across the State. ACA found that in the rural area, areas with low population
density, and tribal nations, there is frequently only one or no service provider.
The current situation indicates that Arizona’s rural and tribal communities lack accessibility to fast, affordable, and reliable broadband service. ACA’s discussions with stakeholders and market participants indicated that one of the reasons for this situation is financial and operational unviability for the private sector service providers to expand their service network in these areas.
Public investment in the middle-mile and last-mile networks can help address this situation.
Having said all that, the Navajo Nation established a Broadband Office that is in existence for the ARPA Broadband rollout. The Alliance for Navajo Broadband is staying in close communication with that office and the Navajo Nation Telecommunications Regulatory Commission and we continue to offer assistance with the massive task of organizing and rolling out these projects. The Alliance believes this office should be established as a permanent division of the Navajo Nation to continue beyond this initial push, to continue seeking funding and to see that the ecosystem stays competitive, affordable and reliable in the future.
Meanwhile, the deadline for submission of the ARPA Expenditure plans for these funds is September 30th, 2022. Crunch time!!!