In June of 2000, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) took steps to promote access to telecommunications on Tribal lands. In the Telecommunications Act of 1996, Congress directed the FCC to ensure that all Americans have access to affordable telecommunications services. In response to concerns regarding extraordinary low levels of subscribership for individuals on reservations, which is half the national average, the FCC held two field hearings in Indian country in 1999 to learn first hand of the barriers to telephone service deployment and subscribership.

What this means to low-income residents (who qualify) on the reservation is that most customers could receive basic telephone service for $1-$10.00 a month, plus some fees and taxes; all customers should see service under $10.00 a month. Long distance, call waiting, caller ID and/or voice mail are not discounted and will be billed, if applicable at regular rates.

The following are a list of programs used to determine eligibility for the Tribal Lifeline/Link-up program:

Various Programs

• Tribally Administered TANF
• BIA – General Assistance
• Head Start (those who meet income requirements)
• National School Free Lunch Program
• LIHEAP
• Federal Public Housing

DSHS Programs

• TANF
• FOOD STAMPS
• SSI
• DSHS Chore Service
• Medicaid or Medicare cost sharing program
• State Family Assistance
• Refugee Assistance
• Community Options Entry
• System (COPES) Be at or below 135% of the poverty rate

If you qualify based on your participation in one of the programs listed above, you are eligible to submit a Lifeline/Link-up application. The application form and assistance in filling out the form and submitting the form to the appropriate telephone service provider is available from the Tribal Telecommunications office at the Nespelem Agency campus. In addition, the forms may be obtained through the Tribal TANF offices. For more information please contact the Tribal Telecommunications office at (509) 634-2244 or (509) 634-2231 or send an e-mail to susie.mason@colvilletribes.com.

Once the application forms are completed and mailed back to your local phone company (CenturyTel or Qwest) you should have a response back whether you qualify within a two week period. If you don’t get a response back call your local telephone company and ask them to find out why or contact the Tribal Telecommunications office for assistance.

According to Washington State Telecom rules, everyone is entitled to a once in a lifetime 6-month payback arrangement. Additionally, if you were not on a Tribal Assistance Program when your phone was disconnected but qualify now, you can get a payback arrangement that is 1½ times the monthly State Tribal Assistance Program rate. This means you could get a payback agreement for approximately $12.00 per month!

Consumers qualifying for Tribal Link-up support are eligible for up to $100 towards the cost of connecting telephone service to their primary place of residence. If you are eligible for Tribal Lifeline, (Tribal Telephone Assistance) then you are eligible for Tribal Link-up.

Eligible connection charges include any charges the carrier customarily assesses to connect subscribers to the telephone network, including facilities-based charges associated with line extensions or the construction of facilities needed to initiate service.

In addition, the participants of Tribal Link-up may also work with their telephone company to establish a deferred payment schedule for remaining costs of up to $200.00.

If the consumer moves, but still qualifies for Link-up assistance, Link-up benefits may also be available to help reduce telephone service connection charges at a new home.

For more ONLINE (Internet) information regarding the Tribal Lifeline & Link-up programs