Corporate Philanthropy & Volunteerism

ATN International and our subsidiaries are committed to making a positive difference in the communities that we serve:

Providing critical, reliable communication infrastructure which connects our customers to the resources to thrive
Accepting technology access in the markets we serve
Partnering with local government and institutions to develop tomorrow’s leaders, engineers and inventors
Promoting behavioral and social change and investing in the health and sustainability of our communities
Encourage our employees to donate their time and talent to augment corporate programs

Viya Awards 2019 Scholarships For Two First-Year College Students In The US Virgin Islands

Viya, the premier telecommunications provider in the US Virgin islands, today announced that two USVI students were awarded 2019 Viya Scholarships for first-year college students in the Territory. Viya Scholarships are awarded to two Virgin Islands high school seniors—one in each district-- who have already been accepted to a college or a university to pursue a degree in one of the following areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Business Administration, Accounting or related fields. The winning student in each district is awarded a one-time $10,000 scholarship to be used for tuition.

Mojania Denis of St. Croix and Kevin Hughes, II of St. Thomas were selected as the 2019 Scholars. These outstanding individuals were chosen from a total of 41 applicants from all three islands. This fall Denis will enroll at the University of Miami to major in Civil Engineering and Hughes plans to pursue a dual degree in International Relations and Communications at Syracuse University in the fall.

Jennifer Matarangas-King, Vice President of Public Relations and Governmental Affairs for Viya stated, “Viya has bestowed over $400,000 in college scholarships to talented Virgin Islanders over the last ten years. Through scholarships, internships, support for educational programs and youth initiatives, Viya consistently encourages the development of the next generation of Virgin Islands leaders.”

“Viya is very proud of our 2019 scholarship recipients and we wish them heartfelt congratulations as they pursue their academic endeavors. Both of them expressed an interest in applying their knowledge and skills to assist the Territory and we look forward to seeing them excel in their respective careers,” concluded Matarangas-King.

GTT Pinktober Annual 5k/10k

On Saturday October 26th, GTT hosted its annual "Pinktober" 5k/10k Charity Walk and Run at Durban Park in Georgetown, Guyana to benefit cancer screening, treatment, and support and awareness in Guyana.


CEO Justin Nedd presents a check for G$1.14 Million to Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) director Renata Chuck-A-Sang. (Photo by: Terrence Thompson)

Choice NTUA Wireless increases network and provides WiFi Hotspots during COVID-19

In April, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Choice NTUA Wireless, the largest rural 4G Network in the West and Navajo Nation’s fastest, most reliable cell phone and internet service provider, signed the “Keeping Americans Connected Pledge” in order to provide internet access for Navajo residents, students and small businesses adjusting to the “new normal” of working from and learning in the home. Choice NTUA Wireless is fulfilling this pledge by not terminating services to anyone because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The company is also waiving any late fees. Choice NTUA Wireless has also gained access to 700Mhz spectrum to increase bandwidth and provide faster connectivity to those in need in the Navajo Nation

“Once the depth and breadth of this pandemic became known, we anticipated that the demands on our network would increase dramatically” said Clyde F. Casciato, General Manager of Choice NTUA Wireless. “We have taken aggressive steps of securing additional spectrum to double and in some cases triple the capacity of our network. This additional spectrum also required us to purchase considerable amounts of fiber backbone to power our network. While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to present challenges to normal life on the Navajo Nation, Choice NTUA Wireless will remain committed to providing our customers with the fastest, most reliable service we can provide.”

In May, Choice NTUA Wireless and the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, a tribally-owned entity which provides electricity and other utilities to the Navajo Nation, partnered with the help of Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) to open up and install Wi-Fi Hotspots across the Nation. These hotspots are available to students and the general public. The project has resulted in 20 active sites with an additional 10 possible locations across the Nation. Each unit is capable of providing 300Mb and has a coverage circumference of 600 feet. Most Hotspots are available in 12 hour windows. Installation of these hotspots began on May 4, 2020.

One Communications Pledges Their Support of the Third Sector Coordinated Crisis Response Effort

One Communications announced Tuesday April 14th its support of the Third Sector Coordinated Crisis Response Effort starting with a donation of $50,000 dollars toward the COVID-19 Emergency Fund. “During these times of uncertainty, it is reassuring to see the community rallying together to support one another. Many people across Bermuda are looking for assistance with obtaining essential needs such as food, shelter and safety. One Communications appreciates the critical role the Third Sector Coordinated Crisis Response partners play in assisting those most vulnerable and in need of their services. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their efforts”, says Frank Amaral, One Communications CEO. "This is an incredibly generous donation, and as a representative of the Third Sector CCRT, thank you One Communications,” says Dr Myra Virgil, Managing Director of Bermuda Community Foundation.

Dr. Virgil continues, "Thousands of individuals have already been helped by the Emergency Fund, which provides financial support to Bermuda’s nonprofit sector who are the experts we need right now. Many of these organizations are being called on to step up like never before. Traditionally, they are under-resourced and under-funded, but in spite of this they haven’t wavered in their commitment to do what must be done to meet community needs. We are doing all we can to ensure they are supported. One Communications’ donation is hugely appreciated, and the funds will be put to good use for the benefit of our community."

Mr. Amaral added, “In addition to our monetary donation, our pledge is to work alongside the Third Sector Crisis Response partners to share their purpose with all of Bermuda. In times of crisis, there are many people who wish to help and are unsure of what the specific needs are, where to begin looking for this information, or how to get involved. Bermuda is known for its charitable efforts, especially during a natural disaster. We’d like that same generosity to carry through now, while we combat COVID-19.”

Teachers Rugby Club Raises Funds to Help Local Middle School

The Fireminds sponsored Bermudan Teachers Rugby Club recently raised $20,755 to help buy Chromebooks for Sandys Secondary Middle School. Rugby players went ahead with their charity run despite the cancellation of the May 24 marathon due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Club president Brian Desmond said: “We have close links with Sandys Middle School and were aware that there was a need for Chromebooks. The race was cancelled but we wanted to raise money to assist the school so we ran the course on the day it should have been run. For us rugby players it was hot and long as it always is but it was worth it.”

Sandys teacher and rugby club member Chris Naylor said: “We are always looking to improve the teaching and learning that takes place at school, access to technology and things like Chromebooks are important in a modern classroom and the pandemic has highlighted the need even more. This donation from the Club is much appreciated and will help the school enormously. The school will be able to buy a lot of Chromebooks with this money and the students will be able to use them on a daily basis in all of their lessons.”

NTUAW Receives Digital Opportunity Equity Recognition (DOER) Award

In September 2020, the Federal Communications Commission honored NTUA Wireless, LLC as part of its inaugural Digital Opportunity Equity Recognition (DOER) Program, which was created to acknowledge the tireless efforts of Americans working to close the digital divide in communities without access to affordable, reliable broadband. NTUA Wireless, LLC received the award for implementing service enhancements to assist the Navajo Nation’s response to COVID-19. They offered discounted broadband for K-12 and college students and teachers, deployed 30 high-speed Wi-Fi devices across the Navajo Nation, and worked with wireless companies to secure a Special Temporary Authorization for the purpose of utilizing unused 8700 MH spectrum to double network capacity on the Navajo Nation. FCC Commissioner Starks issued the following statement about this year’s DOER honorees: “It is clear that our long-standing digital divide has morphed into a monstrous new COVID-19 divide. From the start of the COVID-19 pandemic through now, I have heard stories about the innovative and rapid ways individuals, non-profit organizations, and companies are responding to the connectivity needs of people across this country who are seeking access to medical professionals via telehealth services, education, and safe ways to communicate with family and friends. In response to these efforts, I put out an open call to hear about heroic DOERs who have stepped up in their communities to ensure that no one gets left behind because they lack broadband connectivity. The DOER Program received an overwhelming response to that call with more than 60 submitted applications, each one impressive and laudable, and demonstrating a true commitment to serving communities through acts of substance and consequence, big and small, generosity and selflessness both during the pandemic and prior to the recent events that have changed our nation.

GTT Donates 300 masks to "Celebrate Guyanese Heroes"

GTT recently donated hundreds of surgical and KN95 masks to the Suddie Regional Hospital on the Essequibo Coast in Guyana. This donation is part of the company’s “Celebrating Guyanese Heroes” initiative. “As a company we are compelled to support our frontline workers, especially during these unprecedented times, as they demonstrate their commitment by taking care of the nation.” stated GTT’s Public Relations manager Jasmin Harris. One hundred KN95 and two hundred surgical asks were donated. GTT continues to help support doctors and nurses on the frontline with the provision of free mobile service throughout the pandemic.

Viya COVID-19 Pandemic Aid in the Virgin Islands

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Viya has issued over 800 MiFi’s to the Department of Education for online learning. Geraldine Pitt, Viya’s CEO, and her team recently donated 20k masks to hospitals and police departments on both districts of St. Thomas and St. Croix. Viya has also signed onto the FCC pledge to commit to no late fees and no disconnects for 60 days, as well as free WiFi.

St. Michaels Clinic and NTUA Wireless: Improving Lives with Tele-Medicine

St. Michaels Clinic is passionate about early detection of diabetes and peripheral artery disease (PAD) – and in saving feet and limbs. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to PAD, decreased blood flow to feet and limbs, and eventually require amputations. With the high rate of diabetes on the Navajo Nation, this is an issue close to home. Donovan Yazzie, Medical Assistant at the Clinic notes that “We are all affected in a way – either we know somebody or we are affected ourselves. Knowing that we can help people is what makes us strive to do our work the best we can with all the technology that we have here.”

The technology that Donovan is referring to is the ultrasound scan that allows for early detection of circulatory issues. Patients can be scanned locally at St. Michaels Clinic, the scan is then sent over using high-speed fiber optic internet service provided by NTUA Wireless (NTUAW) to the physicians at Modern Vascular, and together they work with patients for a treatment plan. The Clinic formed this relationship, enabled by NTUAW connectivity, as “a partnership of physicians coming together to make sure the focus is the community and for people to be able to know that there can still be a good and productive life after a diabetes diagnosis,” says Dr. Catherine Torres, Medical Director of St. Michaels Clinic.

The mission of St. Michaels Clinic is to provide high quality primary care and help the community have healthy and productive lives. For CEO Daniel Johnson, this means serving anyone who walks through the door – and providing care utilizing technology that is taken for granted in most non-rural areas. In addition to ultrasound scans and onsite lab work, the Clinic is also working to setup video calling via Skype for people to talk with their doctors in Phoenix or Flagstaff. Mr. Johnson acknowledges the need for access to high speed broadband service to be able to deliver on its mission. After hearing that St. Michaels Clinic’s sister clinic in Sanders, AZ had recently signed up for internet service with NTUAW, a provider of wireless and broadband services on the Navajo Nation, Mr. Johnson contacted NTUAW about the mission of St. Michael’s clinic and the need for reliable (and affordable) broadband service. He was pleased to learn that NTUAW, as a Navajo Owned and Navajo Proud company, was eager to join the cause. Because NTUAW is able to provide a fiber-optic solution with unlimited bandwidth, the St. Michaels Clinic is now able to work with doctors in Phoenix and Flagstaff to bring these health care services to the Navajo Nation. Now, he says, “We’re ahead of our time here to start doing these kinds of things, especially with radiology information. The images can easily be sent through our new connectivity here.”

Dr. Torres wants to spread the word that even with a diabetes diagnosis you don’t always have to be on insulin, and you can still do your job and have a great life. “Part of it is diet and activity and getting your follow ups done. You can still do the things you were doing, just not with certain foods. We need to go back to eating what our ancestors ate, which was not fast foods.” Modern Vascular is soon opening a clinic in Tse Bonito, so patients who need interventional procedures can do so closer to home and take care of their feet and limbs – and prevent future amputations. So next time you drive through St. Michaels stop by St. Michaels Clinic and remember – Ya’ah’teeh. All are welcome here. You can also check out St. Michaels Clinic online at www.navajoclinic.com or learn more about NTUAW’s service offerings at https://www.choice-wireless.com/ or 928-781-8999.

Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands Receives $20,000 Donation from Viya

The importance of CFVI Angels was never more apparent than in 2017 when the Virgin Islands were devastated by hurricanes Irma and Maria, and CFVI was in a position to help - immediately! Because of the trust invested in us by our Angels, CFVI has been able to provide leadership and guidance during this critical period of recovery and building forward, providing hundreds of grants and scholarshops on St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John. Our giving reached into every corner of the Virgin Islands and affected thousands of lives.

Viya CEO Geraldine Pitt stated, "Viya is committed to giving back to our communities in whatever way we can because we understand that the community has supported Viya throughout the years. What is special about this sponsorship is that it demonstrates the power of partnership and leading by example as the funds are mostly contributions from our vendors and employees. We are proud to partner with the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands because we share similar missions for rebuilding the Territory. Viya continues to be an exemplary partner in the economic development of the US Virgin Islands and this is just one of the many ways we demonstrate our commitment to its citizens."

Choice Supports Children of Navajo Nation in the Spirit of Teambuilding

At this year's Choice Kick-Off Meeting, teambuilding was in high gear, and all for a great cause! The challenge was tough. Twenty-six teams competed for points - which were then used towards items to fill backpacks for some lucky students of the Rock Point Community School, in Rock Point, AZ! Rock Point Community School educates approximately 400 Students, grades k-12 from many of the surrounding areas, including Navajo Nation. The back packs were delivered to the kindergarten class and they loved the bags and they all said "thank you/Ahe'hee"!

The Student Conservation Assocation

ATN International sponsors the Student Conservation Association (SCA) in Arizona. The SCA program provides dozens of youth a conversation experience comprised of entirely Navajo or Diné students.The teenaged crews repair trails and restores habitats, though much time is also devoted to better understanding the Diné culture. Park staff routinely share their scientific and historic knowledge, and crew members interact with local musicians, artists and storytellers.