VOTW: Broadband to the Unserved
Posted by Jesse Ward on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 · 
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And last but not least, our video of the week (VOTW) sponsored by Viodi TV.
The Navajo Nation faces challenges in both communications as well as other utilities. According to the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA), some 18,000 families are without electricity. With an area larger than 10 of the 50 states of America, the Navajo Nation still presents unique challenges to providing communications services.
The NTUA recently won a $32.1 million grant from the NTIA as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This is being matched with $11.3 million from the NTUA, and $2.2 million from Commnet Wireless. The funds will provide broadband access to 15,120 square miles of the Navajo Nation’s 27,000 square miles. The wireless service will cover 30,000 households and mid-mile backbone to another 49 communities.
Monroe Keedo, divisional manager for IT for the NTUA, explains how some of the grant money will support families and students in the Navajo Nation.
Have you recently seen a funny, entertaining or informational video? The New Edge would love to hear from you. Please send your suggestions for the next video of the week (VOTW) to jward@ntca.org and your video might be featured in an upcoming issue..
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Thanks for posting this one, Jesse. I keep telling my kids how lucky they are that they don’t have the 2 hour bus ride to school that some of the kids in the Navajo Nation have.