GSA's Telecommunications Service To Bring Savings For The Navajo Nation

GSA # 9426

July 24, 1997
Contact: Johanna Roark
202-501-0706 or
Don Barney
703-285-1020

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and the Navajo Nation signed a Memorandum of Agreement that could save the Nation over a million dollars in long-distance calls. The Agreement covers long-distance voice, data, and video telecommunications services. Local telecommunications services and wireless services are provided under GSA's FTS 2000 contract and world wide international services under GSA's International Direct Distance Dialing Contract with AT&T.
This was the second such signing event for GSA. The first was with the Quileute People of La Push, Washington. Of the agreements, GSA's Administrator David J. Barram said, "In addition to the savings, these Agreements open up a whole range of educational opportunities for Nation's members, especially the children. And, they strengthen intergovernmental partnership and provide access to the information super highway -- both Clinton Administration's goals."

"The Agreement moves the Navajo Nation closer to 21st century telecommunications technology," said GSA's Federal Telecommunications Service (FTS) Commissioner Robert Woods. "And," he added, "to put the potential savings in perspective, in 1988, GSA paid 38 cents a minute for long-distance calls as compared to 5.6 cents a minute today. State and local governments now pay 10 to 12 cents a minute for long distance service. The potential for savings to the Navajo Nation, or any Nation interested in such an agreement, are certainly there."

GSA's FTS Commissioner Woods, Navajo Nation President Albert Hale, Arizona Senator John McCain, New Mexico Congressman Bill Redmond and Arizona Congressman J.D. Hayworth participated in the event. Senior staff from New Mexico Senator Jeff Bingaman also attended.