1	Reservation Telecommunication Initiative 2006 Governor’s Rural Development Conference August 18, 2006 Ron S. Lee, Native Policy Group, LLC
2	Telecommunication Challenges on Indian Lands Status Programs Barriers Recommendations Challenges to Assessing & Improving Telecommunications for Native Americans on Tribal Lands General Accounting Office, Jan 2006 http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d06189.pdf
3	Status Telephone Subscribers – Only 68% of households on Tribal lands Navajo Nation’s Telephony Infrastructure Internet Subscribers – Although data is largely unknown, FCC estimates that broadband penetration on Indian lands is less than 10% 2000 US Census
4	Programs USDA Rural Utility Service (RUS) Federal Communication Commission Discounts on cost of telephone service Financial incentives to encourage wireless providers E-Rate Funding National Telecommunication Information Administration (NTIA)
5	Barriers Rights-of-way (ROW) issues Leasing fees Jurisdictional Issues (State & Tribes) Lack of Capitol for Infrastructure Development No Incentives for Private Investors Geographical Location – Rural & Rugged Terrain, Remoteness, low population density Lack of access to training technicians, technical assistance and planning resources
6	GAO’s Recommendations Congress should direct FCC To determine what data is needed How to collect the data Report back to Congress its findings Congress should also consider amending the Communications Act regarding the Universal Service Funds Library eligibility on tribal lands
7	What Tribes Are Doing Developing own telecom systems Developing wireless technologies Providing technical training for members Developing decision-making process to address rights-of-way
8	What Can Congress Do? Telecommunication Reauthorization Act needs to recognize tribal authority Rural funds directly to tribal lands Mandate Census Bureau to collect internet subscriber data in 2010 Modify federal eligibility criteria so that tribal libraries can receive E-rate funds
9	What Can Arizona Do? Amend A.R.S. 42-5029 to include tribal governments in state shared revenue to provide permanent funds for telecommunication infrastructure Develop Other Policy Objectives Joint Power Agreement (ACC/NNTRC) Assist tribes in seeking permanent federal funds to pay for telecommunication infrastructure
10	Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) Arizona’s version of a sales tax Represents approximately 51% of General Fund Revenues in FY’04 Shared among State, County and Cities through a distribution base 25% to cities in proportion to their population 40.51% to counties according to a formula Remaining 34.49% is retained by state
11	Tribal TPT Contributions Contributions Between FY’01-’04 $93.6 Mil Collected on AZ Indian Reservations $23.4 Mil average per year 42.0% Increase within 4 years 33.2% Mil in FY’08 $58.6 Mil Collected on Navajo Nation (62.3%) $14.7 Mil average per year 47.4% Increase within 4 years $21.7 Mil in FY’08
12	Legislative Activities Jan-May: HB 2689 – Study Committee Jun-Nov: Conduct Hearings/Meetings Dec 31^st: Submit Report (6-30-07) Jan-May ’07: Introduce Tribal Telecom Bill that Incorporates TPT Jan-May ’08: 2^nd Option or Attempt
13	Study Committee’s Objective ID Methods to Track TPT Contributions Made by Tribes ID Distribution Formula ID TPT Distribution for Tribes Recommend Tribal Telecommunication Legislation that Incorporates TPT
14	Partnerships AZ Telecommunications & Information Council (ATIC) Government Information Technology Agency (GITA) Greater Arizona Development Authority (GADA) Other
15	Tribal Telecom Coalition
16	Ad Hoc Meeting on 6-6-06 Need tribal consensus on TPT usage Form a telecommunication coalition Meet with Governor Educate tribes, municipalities and counties Raise awareness for legislative support
17	Next Steps Community awareness & support Educate legislators and local governments Get politically active in state and local government affairs
18	Contacts Navajo Nation Telecommunication Regulatory Commission Ernest Franklin, Executive Director PO Box 900 Window Rock, AZ 86515 Phone: (928) 871-7854 Fax: (928) 871-7856 Email: efranklin@nntrc.org or www:nntrc.org Navajo Nation Communications & Utilities Department Pearl Lee, Program Manager PO Box 2928 Window Rock, AZ 86515 Phone: (928) 871-7740 Fax: (928) 871-7741 Email: p.lee@citlink.net Native Policy Group, LLC Ron Lee, President 2434 W. Knowles Ave Mesa, AZ 85202 Phone: (602) 319-4419 Email: ron.lee@nativepolicygroup.com