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You are here: News Sun News Bobby Begaye reappointed to the Navajo Nation Telecommunication Regulatory Commission

Bobby Begaye reappointed to the Navajo Nation Telecommunication Regulatory Commission

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FARMINGTON, N.M. – On Dec. 11, the Resources and Development Committee approved Legislation No. 0465-17 with a vote of 4-0, which confirms the reappointment of Bobby Begaye to the Navajo Nation Telecommunication Regulatory Commission for a four-year term.

Begaye is Tsi’naajinii (Black-Streaked-Wood People) and born for Tł’ógí (Weavers –Zia Clan) and is from St. Michaels. He has a bachelor’s degree in computer science systems from Northern Arizona University and has previously served on the commission for 12 years.

RDC vice chair Council Delegate Benjamin L. Bennett (Crystal, Fort Defiance, Red Lake, Sawmill), who sponsored the legislation, asked for the committee’s support to reappoint Begaye to the commission due to his vast experience in the field of telecommunications.

“The reappointment of Begaye would benefit the commission because he has served many years on the commission and it would allow him to continue the great initiatives he was working on. The Nation has many telecommunication challenges and the commission needs full membership to continue resolving those issues,” Bennett said.

The commission consists of seven commissioners appointed by the Navajo Nation president and confirmed by the RDC, pursuant to Title II § 3434 of the Navajo Nation Code.

During the discussion, RDC member Council Delegate Leonard H. Pete (Chinle) raised concerns regarding the placements of cell towers and agreements with non-tribal cellular carriers.

“As an oversight committee for the Navajo Nation Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, we should be getting updates on initiatives and barriers of the commission. Many concerns are raised regarding the process of cell tower placements. I am aware that many of these towers are not owned by the Nation and we need to know how much revenues are generated from outside cell carriers,” said Pete.

RDC member Council Delegate Davis Filfred (Mexican Water, Aneth, Teecnospos, Tółikan, Red Mesa) also raised concerns regarding existing cell tower on sacred sites.

“I have received many complaints from Navajo chapters regarding cell towers being built on sacred sites. We need to address this carefully and [establish] clear policies. All sacred sites need to be respected,” said Filfred.

Following the approval of Legislation No. 0465-17, the committee approved a directive for the Navajo Nation Telecommunication Regulatory Commission to provide a complete cell-tower inventory, information on rate fees, jurisdiction, cell tower placement on sacred sites, and to provide policy recommendations to fix each challenge within six months.

The Resources and Development Committee serves as the final authority for the bill.

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