Navajo Nation set to lose Internet service

Friday, April 4, 2008  

The Navajo Nation is set to lose Internet service from its Utah-based provider.

The tribe contracted with OnSat Network Communications to provide service to the reservation. But an audit last summer showed the tribe may have been overcharged by $470,000 by the company,

The audit prompted Universal Service Administration Co., an independent corporation that administers funds for services like OnSat's, to withhold $2.1 million from OnSat. The company says it won't be able to provide service to the Navajo Nation as a result.

The audit also raised questions about $185,000 in unnecessary purchases related to OnSat's contract and whether tribal officials broke procurement laws in dealing with the company.

Get the Story:
Navajo Nation to Lose Internet Signal (AP 4/4)
Native Americans lose connection (The Inquirer 4/4)

Navajo Nation investigates Internet company (6/15)