Atlantic Tele-Network’s subsidiary Commnet Wireless has teamed up with the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) to provide 3G and LTE services across the Navajo Nation which spans across Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. The new venture, NTUA Wireless, is partially funded by a US$32.1 million broadband grant from the National Telecommunications & Information Association. NTUA Wireless plans to launch 3G mobile telephony services in the middle of 2012, while LTE mobile broadband internet services will be available in certain areas during 2011 and throughout most of the Navajo Nation by the end of 2013.

Atlantic Tele-Network, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATNI), announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary Commnet Wireless has created a joint venture with the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) to provide the first 3G wireless cell phone service and 4G broadband service to residents of the Navajo Nation. Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly, NTUA General Manager Walter Haase and ATN President and CEO Michael Prior met today to finalize the historic collaboration and announce the new venture "NTUA Wireless, LLC".

The NTUA Wireless venture will lead to a substantial upgrade of telecommunications services currently available to residents of the Navajo Nation, which spans across parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. The effort will provide new, affordable mobile phone service and access to high-speed data services and is being partially funded by a $32.1 million broadband grant to NTUA from the National Telecommunications & Information Association as part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.

NTUA is a non-profit, multi-utility company, with services that include electric, gas, water, wastewater, renewable energy and telecommunications within the Navajo Nation. NTUA General Manager Walter Haase commented, "This venture with Commnet Wireless will allow us to dramatically improve existing services, while at the same time delivering the latest technology to our customers. As part of the effort, we will develop the communications infrastructure needed to bring the Navajo people many advanced telecommunication services already enjoyed by the majority of the U.S. population."
"NTUA Wireless will benefit the people of Navajo Nation in two important ways," said Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly. "First, it delivers the advanced telecommunications services that are vital for ensuring economic equality and opportunity. And second, because it is majority Navajo-owned, its success will directly benefit the Navajo people."

"This venture will give Navajo Nation residents and businesses long-awaited access to true broadband and affordable cell phone service," said Lou Tomasetti, President and CEO of Commnet Wireless. "Having worked for years to bring advanced communications services to some of the more rural areas around the country, we understand the vital connection between advanced telecommunications services and economic opportunity. This project is part of our long-term commitment to ensuring that these services are extended to rural and under-served areas of our country."
According to Tomasetti, cell phone service will include unlimited plan options starting at low monthly rates and Pay-As-You-Go plan options offering low per-minute rates on local and long distance calls. Data, texting, picture messaging and local and long distance calling will be available on all cell phone rate plans. NTUA Wireless expects to launch cell phone services beginning mid-year 2012 and broadband monthly plans offering high-speed Internet access will be available beginning in certain areas this year and throughout most of the Nation by the end of 2013.

NTUA Wireless also intends to offer Lifeline, a discounted and affordable cell phone service, to qualifying individuals upon being designated as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) by the FCC. The Navajo Nation Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NNTRC) will work with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in a government-to-government relationship to review NTUA Wireless' petition to be designated an ETC and become eligible for federal support from the Universal Service Fund and will determine whether NTUA Wireless' proposed service to the Nation is consistent with Navajo law, traditions and customs, and is in the public interest for the Navajo people.

"Projects such as this may not appeal to the larger carriers, but we view them as significant opportunities," said Michael Prior, President and CEO of ATN. "We not only have the expertise to deliver in a timely and cost-effective manner, but we understand the importance of advanced telecommunications services to job creation and economic development in these communities. Through partnerships with local utilities and government, we are working to make affordable wireless broadband and other increasingly important telecom services available in all parts of our country."

The original $32.1 million stimulus grant was announced in March, 2010 by NTIA. Commnet, which has a long history of working in rural America and partnering with local utilities, will contribute wireless equipment, assets and management and operational expertise and to support the project.

About Commnet Wireless
Commnet Wireless is a premier wholesale wireless carrier in the United States. Our focus is providing domestic and international wireless partners with affordable roaming service in rural areas throughout the United States, while maintaining the quality and features that wireless subscribers have come to expect. For more information, please visit www.commnetwireless.com.

About Atlantic Tele-Network
Atlantic Tele-Network, Inc., headquartered in Beverly, Massachusetts, provides telecommunications services to rural, niche and other under-served markets and geographies in the United States, Bermuda and the Caribbean. Through our operating subsidiaries, we provide both wireless and wireline connectivity to residential and business customers, including a range of mobile wireless solutions, local exchange services and broadband internet services and are the owner and operator of terrestrial and submarine fiber optic transport systems.