A recent report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) reveals a far lower rate of telephone subscribership than the national average. The US Average phone subscribership rate runs about 98%. However in the lower 48 states only about 69% of Native American households have telephone service. This is based on 2000 census data and actually reflects improvement from 1990. This news item has E-rate implications as some of the eligibility rules (mandated by legislation) preclude some tribal libraries for example from getting assistance. The FCC and Rural Utilities Service (RUS) both have programs to assist tribal groups. But more needs to be done. This report cites the tribes as saying funding is part of the problem as is difficulty by providers in getting rights of way. The single biggest impediment seems to be rural, rugged terrain. I don't know about you but that screams WiMax to me. Well it should be no surprise that several tribes are trying to launch their own telecom enterprises. Wireless is heavily in the mix too. In some cases commercial wireless companies are helping including firms like Blue Moon and Verizon Avenue. We are talking of course about using VoIP delivery in most cases. Interestingly no one is even tracking internet usage and adoption on tribal lands and only recently has a yearly telephone adoption survey been proposed. I think our industry can help in this regard. I would love to be able to report on more initiatives. Tim Sanders,  tim@thefinalmile.net   www.thefinalmile.net   www.wimaxglobalnews.com