Four tribes in Arizona will benefit from $33.6 million in federal broadband funds.

The Tohono O'odham Utility Authority will receive $17.4 million to install at least two wireless towers and lay 150 miles of fiber-optic cable. The project will serve 2,918 households on the reservation.

The San Carlos Apache Telecommunications Utility will receive $10.4 million to build four wireless towers and lay fiber-optic cable for a new hospital. The project will serve 1300 homes and 50 public safety officials.

Hopi Telecommunications will receive $3.6 million to lay 61 miles of fiber-optic cable. The project will serve 400 homes.

Finally, J.C. Cullen, Inc will use $2.2 million to bring Internet service to the Havasupai Tribe. The project will serve about 450 people.

The money came from the Broadband Initiatives Program at the USDA Rural Utility Service.

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New online world ahead for Indian reservations (The Arizona Republic 3/6)