The Navajo Nation is spending $46 million to improve cellular and Internet service on the reservation.

The Navajo Tribal Utility Authority recently purchased a majority ownership a Commnet Wireless subsidiary. The two entities are creating a new company called NTUA Wireless to expand phone service on the reservation.

In addition, the tribe is laying down fiber optic cable to bring Internet service to more homes on the reservation. "It's a paradigm shift of how technology is done on the Navajo Nation because it will bring that infrastructure right to their doorstep," Monroe Keedo, the utility divisions manager for NTUA, told The Farmington Daily Times.

The tribe is using $32 million in stimulus funds for the project. NTUA kicked in another $11 million and Commnet contributed $3 million.

The project is due to be complete by March 2013.

Get the Story:
Mobile mission: Fourth in a five-part series about the Navajo (The Farmington Daily Times 5/11)

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