The Navajo Nation Council approved a $244.6 million broadband investment to expand internet access across 58 chapters in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, pairing BEAD program matching funds with interim Starlink service as fiber and 5G infrastructure are built out.

This funding builds on a $77.8 million middle-mile allocation approved in 2024, continuing efforts to improve broadband access on the Navajo Nation.

The measure advances the Navajo Nation Broadband Development Plan, aiming to establish BEAD infrastructure and expand 5G service using 1,265 miles of fiber, 78+ towers, and ongoing Starlink interim connectivity.

The resolution will be reviewed by Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, who has up to 10 calendar days to act after certification and delivery to the Office of the President and Vice President.

The BEAD-supported rollout is projected to connect about 31,000 homes to high-speed internet, with roughly 6,000 homes expected to be connected by year’s end.

Delegate Carl Slater, the sponsor, emphasized that the investment addresses the broadband divide affecting public safety, education, emergency response, healthcare, and economic opportunities for Navajo entrepreneurs.

Starlink satellite internet will be deployed to the remaining 58 chapters within 90 days as a temporary solution while long-term fiber networks are extended.

The investment includes $75.5 million from the Navajo Nation’s fund balance and $169.1 million in debt financing through the Capital Development Financing Fund to support the project.

The plan involves constructing about 1,265 miles of middle-mile fiber and over 78 new tower sites to enable macro 5G, plus an additional 270 miles of middle-mile fiber to reach underserved chapter houses, with 52 chapters already connected to fiber and 58 without connectivity.

BEAD funding eligibility totals roughly $287 million for the Navajo Nation, with allocations of about $148.6 million to Arizona, $111.8 million to New Mexico, and $26.6 million to Utah.