Pinehill, New Mexico: Connecting the Ramah Navajo Reservation

Nestled within the Ramah Navajo Indian Reservation in western Cibola County, New Mexico, the census-designated place of Pinehill is a tight-knit community with a rich cultural heritage. Despite its small population of just 88 residents as of the 2010 census, Pinehill plays a vital role in supporting the Ramah Navajo people and their way of life.

The geography of Pinehill is defined by its remote location, situated 12 miles south of New Mexico State Road 53 and 62 miles southeast of the larger city of Gallup. This isolation has shaped the community, fostering a strong sense of self-reliance and connection to the land. The area is characterized by its rugged terrain, with the CDP encompassing 3.4 square miles of entirely land-based geography.

While Pinehill may be small in size, it is home to several important community institutions, including the Pine Hill Schools, a tribal school operated by the Ramah Navajo School Board, and the Pine Hill Health Clinic, providing essential medical services to the surrounding area. The community is also the location of the KTDB radio station, which serves the Ramah Navajo Indian Reservation and the broader region.

When it comes to internet access, Pinehill residents have a few options to choose from. CenturyLink offers DSL service in the area, providing download speeds up to 20 Mbps and upload speeds up to 1.5 Mbps. For those seeking satellite internet, HughesNet and Viasat both provide service, with maximum download speeds of 25 Mbps and 35 Mbps, respectively, and upload speeds up to 3 Mbps. Additionally, Oso Internet Solutions LLC offers a terrestrial fixed wireless option, delivering up to 25 Mbps for both download and upload.

While the internet options in Pinehill may not be as robust as in more urban areas, the available services can still support the community's needs, whether it's for remote work, online education, or staying connected with the world beyond the reservation. As technology continues to evolve, the residents of Pinehill can look forward to potential improvements and expansions in their internet infrastructure, helping to bridge the digital divide and empower this unique and resilient community.