Two Arizona tribe served by Qwest say the company isn't promoting a program that helps low-income reservation residents with their phone bills.

The Clinton administration announced the Tribal Lifeline and Tribal Link-Up programs in 2000. But the members of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and the Tohono O'odham Nation say they are only hearing about it now.

Qwest can tap into federal funds to get reimbursed for helping low-income tribal members. The company says it is finally getting the word out about the programs.

On some reservations, only 20-30 percent of residents have telephone service.

Get the Story:
Needy on reservations can get phone-bill aid (The Arizona Daily Star 5/24)

Telephone Service Report:
TELEPHONE SUBSCRIBERSHIP ON AMERICAN INDIAN RESERVATIONS AND OFF-RESERVATION TRUST LANDS (FCC May 5, 2003)

Relevant Links:
Indian Initiatives, FCC - http://www.fcc.gov/indians
The Digital Divide Network - http://www.digitaldividenetwork.org

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FCC report shows rise in telephone service (05/13)
New FCC chair raises digital divide doubts (2/7)
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Indians left out of digital divide (10/17)
Verizon to offer cheap phones (10/03)
FCC embraces sovereignty (06/09)
Breaking the Digital Divide (6/8)
Indian Country: Falling into the Digital Divide? (04/17)
Indian Country: Falling into the Digital Divide? (04/11)
Digital Divide Stats (4/11)