San Juan Fiber Optic Infrastructure Project

About the Project

From 2014 to 2026, the San Juan Fiber Optic Infrastructure project provided more than 200 miles of high-speed connectivity across rural and Tribal lands in southeastern Utah. This effort connected schools, healthcare facilities, and community sites, demonstrating what is possible through strong partnerships among local, Tribal, state, federal, and private partners.

We extend our gratitude to our many partners, including the Navajo Nation, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Utah Navajo Health System, and the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT). Funding provided by the Utah Navajo Trust Fund, Utah Navajo Health System, UDOT, the State of Utah, Universal Service Administrative Company, and UETN.

Project Timeline

2014

Planning and Community Engagement
UEN initiated outreach to service providers, community leaders, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and Navajo Nation representatives to expand connectivity across rural San Juan County.
2017–2021

Blanding to Bluff and Montezuma Creek (42 miles)
Connectivity delivered to:

- White Mesa Education Center
- Bluff Elementary
- Whitehorse High School
- Montezuma Creek Elementary
- Montezuma Creek Community Health Center
- Montezuma Creek Library
2018–2024

Bluff to Mexican Hat (26 miles)

Through the work of Emery Telcom, with funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, connectivity was extended from Bluff to Mexican Hat, including a fiber-to-the-premise site in Mexican Hat and cell towers on Raplee Ridge.
2019–2023

Mexican Hat to Monument Valley (26 miles)
Connectivity delivered to:

- Monument Valley High School
- Tse’bii’nidzisgai Elementary School
- Utah State University Monument Valley Campus
- Monument Valley Community Health Clinic
2018–2026

Monument Valley to Navajo Mountain (111 miles)
Connectivity delivered to:

- Navajo Mountain High School
- Navajo Mountain Health Center
June 2026

Completed San Juan Fiber Optic Infrastructure Project