(ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.) – Connectivity is an important part of our lives now, more than ever. As people have been staying at home and practicing social distancing, the ability to stay connected is something that we may take for granted. Many of us have the capability and resources to host meetings, online classes and social gatherings through the internet, but many people in Navajo Nation do not have these resources readily available to them. PNM and the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority Wireless (NTUAW) have collaborated to set up Wifi hot spots throughout Navajo Nation to help combat this issue.

Navajo Nation has been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with over 4,000 positive reported cases of the virus. We have all been under strict stay-at-home orders to stay safe, but many areas of the Nation are without electricity and/or internet, making it hard for first responders to reach people in need and students are falling behind on their studies because they can't connect to classes that were abruptly moved online when the pandemic first started.

"Imagine worrying about whether or not first responders will be able to answer your call for help or being a student and not having access to any of your online classes or materials," said Pat Vincent-Collawn, President, CEO, and Chairman of PNM Resources. "That is the reality that many people in Navajo Nation are facing. We are proud to work closely with NTUAW to help mitigate this issue."

So far, PNM and NTUAW have installed 20 temporary hot spots in various areas of the Nation, with plans to hopefully install more. These hotspots provide valuable connectivity so the Navajo people can access information, schooling services and any other help they need. Students may need to drive closer to the hot spots and stay in their car to access online materials and classes safely.