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" 3 Rivers Telephone
has completed over 300 order for customers using the enhanced
Lifeline program. Many of them are amazed they are now able
to afford local service and have the 911 protection available.
This is an important fact on the reservation. For example,
there is also a large number of elderly customers that need
telephone service for medical reasons. They are usually
on a fixed income and unable to afford any extras. The local
service provided through this program keeps them in touch
with family members, doctors, and additional services from
which they benefit. All in all, this program has been able
to provide telephone service to many individuals who would
not otherwise have access."
-Janelle Rea, Fairfield, MT
3 Rivers Telephone Cooperative
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Eligible telecommunications carriers are required to publicize the
availability of Lifeline and Link Up support in a manner designed to
reach those likely to qualify for low income discounts. By identifying
and reaching out to potential recipients, service providers are able
to extend valuable services to members of the community who would not
otherwise have access to basic telephone services. This advances the
federal policy of equal access to telecommunications services for all
Americans.
The ongoing task of locating and identifying participants for the Low
Income Support Mechanism remains a high priority for USAC. Data characterizing
various demographic regions of America is available from a variety of
sources and, upon inspection, it does not take long to recognize which
areas of the country, whether they be urban or rural, should be targeted
for outreach. USAC has worked closely with state public utility commissions
and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissions on these
efforts. USAC has provided information at various seminars and conferences.
Moreover, USAC's outreach team has spoken at conferences targeted at
Native American communities in an effort to provide information on the
recently enhanced programs for low income consumers living on reservations.
We will continue to work with state commissions and expand those outreach
efforts in 2001.
In
order to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse, USAC reviews all data submitted
by carriers. Further, the Low Income Support Mechanisms has been subjected
to audits of its procedures and financial operations by independent
accounting firms. In addition, a beneficiary audit, or an audit of carriers
participating in the program, is conducted every year. To date, minor
calculation errors have been discovered by these reviews,which have
all been corrected, resulting in a small increase in support.
USAC contracted with NECA for support services necessary to administer
the Low Income Support Mechanism during the period covered by this report.
The contractor performed the tasks associated with this contract in
a fully satisfactorily manner.
