Providing new telecommunications infrastructure is the most significant barrier to universal telephone penetration in Indian country. Second, new FCC rules should simplify the process by which wireless and satellite carriers are made eligible for Lifeline support thus providing the necessary incentive for these carriers to extend service to tribal lands and reduce the need for the build-out of expensive landline infrastructure. Third, the FCC should expand local calling areas so that all calls within the boundaries of a reservation do not result in long distance service charges. These policies should be flexible enough to make sure that all connections to emergency services are charged as local calls as well. And, finally, the FCC, working with states and Indian Nations, should establish a policy that is consistent with established federal Indian law and recognizes the sovereignty of Indian Nations.
Tribal sovereignty is essential to ensuring that their social interests can be met.
Safety, health, education and economic development depend upon that authority. In Indian Country.