Kirkpatrick appeals to FCC on behalf of Najavos

1st Congressional District Democratic candidate Ann Kirkpatrick sent a letter Monday to the Federal Communications Commission, in an attempt to intercede on behalf of the Navajo Nation to prevent its emergency operations Internet access from being shut off.

The letter, penned with Peterson Zah, past president of the Navajo Nation, read:

"We are writing to request that you take immediate action to prevent the imminent suspension of internet services for the Navajo Nation, scheduled to occur as early as Tuesday, July 22, 2008. Such a scenario would jeopardize the safety and security of the Navajo people by effectively shutting down the Nation's entire public safety network and crippling the ability of police and emergency response units to do their jobs. This dire situation has the potential to endanger the lives of every man, woman, and child of the Navajo Nation and requires your urgent intervention.

"These unacceptable circumstances stem from the fact that the Universal Service Administration Company (USAC) is withholding E-rate reimbursement funding from OnSat Network Communications, Inc, the company providing internet services to the Navajo Nation. As a result, the company has been unable to pay its broadband service provider, SES Americom. SES is now threatening to terminate satellite transmission by noon, Tuesday, July 22, 2008, if they do not receive payment for services rendered. While the Nation's public safety network is not part of the E-rate program, should SES follow through on its threat, the entire communications network, including the public safety network, will no longer be functional.

"We are deeply troubled by this situation, and request that you take immediate action in order to avoid the termination of satellite transmissions for the Navajo Nation. In addition, we request that you uncover why the E-rate program funding, which has previously been approved, is being withheld by USAC. Finally, we request that you determine what steps need to be taken in order to release these funds.

"Every community in America, including the Native American Nations, has the right to an operational emergency response network to ensure the safety of its residents. The potential consequences of allowing the Navajo Nation public safety network to shut down are simply too high. We ask that you respond to our request in a manner that reflects the urgency of this dangerous situation."