Changes in federal telecommunication policy has forced market-place competition and dynamic technology choices for Tribal Nations. For the first time, our communities can afford the basic information infrastructure necessary to spur small business development, job creation, income generation, improve health and education and give every household a chance to have a phone.

This workshop will tell you how to finance a separate, local independent tribal telephone system or how to work with your present local service provider to extend more services into your community.

Specific information provided on rights-of-way and easement practices, tribal sovereignty, taxation, ways to lower a tribal government phone bill, and different choices being selected by tribes.

Emphasis placed on a tribal utility code as a way to set local priorities and guide relationships with other governments that set policies which impact tribal phone revenues and expansion authority.
 

Rural Utilities Service

Since 1949, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service Program (RUS) has worked with over 900 small phone companies to start or improve services.

In 1971, Congress created the Rural Telephone Bank (RTB) as a supplemental source of public/private sector financing under the RUS telecommunications program.

USDA asked Congress to approve $625 million under several loan programs for RUS borrowers for FY 1999 - $50 million for Hardship Loans, $175 million for RTB loans, $100 million for Guaranteed Loans, and $300 million in loans from the U.S. Treasury.  The Hardship Loans carry a 5% interest rate or less for unusual circumstances.  Interest rates for the other loans are the same or similar to the prevailing U.S. Treasury Rate.

The telephone penetration rate throughout Indian Country ranges from approximately 25% to 75%.
 

Federal Communication Commission

Since the 1930’s the FCC has promoted service to all households that desire phones. With the break-up of AT&T in the early 1980’s, the FCC set-up ways to ensure that consumer rates for local telephone service would remain affordable in rural, insular, and high cost areas.  Support mechanisms for schools, libraries, hospitals, and clinics were added in 1996.  FCC universal service components include:

Link-up America — Off-sets up to $30.00 of initial hook-up charge for low-income subscribers. The FCC asks local companies to offer a deferred payment plan for remaining costs.

Lifeline Assistance Program — Waives $3.50 federal subscriber charges per month.

Schools & Libraries Discount — Up to $1.3 billion per year based upon economic need.  Discount ranges from 20% - 90% for telecom services.

Rural Healthcare Providers Discount — Up to $400 million per year based on comparison to nearest urban area.

Under the 1996 Act, the FCC has initiated new policies to create a dynamic, competitive marketplace by issuing bandwidth spectrum licenses which has driven new wireless technologies to deliver quality voice and data services.
 

Small Phone Company Facts

Nationally, 1300 small telephone companies operate 5% of the nation’s telephone lines and serve 10 million subscribers.

A typical small phone company has 5,600 access lines and employs 26 people. Forty-two percent of their central offices deploy fiber optics technology and 93% have digital switches.

On average, 50% of a small telephone company’s revenue comes from toll charges paid by companies for long distance connections.
 

Tuesday, July 28

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The FCC and RUS will explain the federal resources available to tribes to build their own company or how to improve services through an existing provider.

The agencies will discuss the impact of the 1996 Telecommunications Act on the marketplace, new technology use, universal service programs, and the future expansion rate of small companies and viability of new starts.

Following the federal panels, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, The Center for Applied Research, and a tribal expert will discuss the environmental guidelines and regulations for rights of way, easement practices, and taxation of utilities on tribal lands.

Legal experts will explain why a tribal utility code is important for developing a basic information system and in working with existing local and long distance providers.

Closing session is a tribal, legal, and industry panel discussion on howfederal and state governments affect tribal and other local service providers revenue base and management.
 
 

Wednesday, July 29

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AISES engineers will present a telephone utility development case study with an emphasis on tribal economic development considerations. Session will include assessment of tribal community and technical needs.

Availability of General Service Administration long distance rates for all tribal entities will be discussed around a Navajo case study which highlights problems and solutions when multiple parties are involved. Panel includes Navajo Indian Area Health Service, AT&T and Sprint, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Indian Health Service Offices of Information Resource Management.

The National Telephone Cooperative Association will share how its 500-member group works to promote improved local phone services within the industry and how their concerns differ from large companies. Also discussed is how a small phone company differs from a cooperative organization which is owned by the community.

Using a roundtable format, speakers from diverse program areas will discuss how their tribe or program has pursued telephone utility ownership; success in working with local providers; how to prioritize tribal infrastructure improvements; and availability of funding sources.

Breakout Sessions — Participants will identify and rank major problem areas or concerns related to improving telecommunication capacity, tribal government roles, federal/state financing and utility policies, and access to private sector capital and technology.
 

Thursday, July 30

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Morning workshop on FCC wireless service program for digital spectrum licenses; ability to partition spectrum to build out license holders respective service area; and availability of venture capital. Special information provided on new available local multi-point distribution services.  This technology offers a complete range of services including voice, video, and data.  A solution for remote locations, difficult terrain, or as a local loop bypass. 

Workshop Hours

The workshop is scheduled for 2 ½ days starting at 8:30 a.m. each morning. Tuesday and Wednesday sessions last until 5:00 p.m. Thursday’s session will adjourn by 12:30 p.m. Coffee breaks provided. On-site registration on Monday from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m. and from 7:00 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday.

Proceedings

Session Proceedings will be available for distribution to the workshop participants. The proceedings will be used to advance policy, and enhance economic development opportunities for American Indians.

Presenters Drum Roll

Carl Artman, Executive Vice-President, Airadigm Communications
Cecil Antone, Lieutenant Governor, Gila River Indian Community
Richard Askoff, Deputy General Counsel, Universal Service Administration Company
Ed Cameron, Acting Associate Administrator, Rural Utilities Service, USDA
Steve Campbell, Center For Applied Research
Ken Chandler, Director, Southwest Telecom Program, RUS, USDA
David Cosson, Attorney, Kraskin, Lesse, and Cosson
Tony Davis, Navajo Area Office, Indian Health Service
Doug Dawson, Principal, Competitive Communications Group
Bill England, Attorney, Rural HealthCare Corporation
Raymond Etcitty, Attorney, Navajo Nation
L. Marie Guillory,  Vice-President, Legal & Industry, NTCA
Paulette Hansen, Executive Director, American Indian Information Network
Nora Helton,  Chairwoman, Ft. Mohave Indian Community,
Sandra Holland, AT&T
Theresa Hopkins, IT Coordinator, Navajo Nation
Kathy Hughes, Treasurer, Oneida Nation of WI
Barbara Leitchfield, Colville Tribe
Rhonda McKenzie, President & CEO, McKenzie Telecommunications Group Inc.
Wayne Nakai, Navajo Nation
Gerald Nordland, MIS Director, Hopi Nation
Penny Pickett, Entreprenuerial Services Director, Telecom Development Fund
Greg Scott, Commissioner, MN Public Utility Commission
Parker Sando, Realty Specialist, BIA
Scott Taylor, Law Professor, UNM
Carolyn Thomas, Federal Telecom Services, General Services Administration
Gloria Tristani, Commissioner, Federal Communication Commission
Bill Tucker, Principal, Competitive Communications Group
Greg Waddell, Director, Schools and Libraries Corporation
JD Williams, General Manager, CRST Telephone Authority
Madonna Yawakie, Secretary, MN AISES Professional Chapter, NAtec Inc., President
Mel Yawakie, Pres., MN AISES Professional Chapter & AISES Board of Directors
Amy Zoslov, Wireless Service Bureau, FCC

Welcome   |   Agenda   |   Proceeding Excerpts   |   Attendees   |   Breakout Session   |   Photos