Verizon to offer cheap phones

OCTOBER 3, 2000

Verizon Communications, the merged company of GTE and Bell Atlantic, announced on Monday a plan to provide qualified residents of New York reservations with monthly service for as low as $1 per month.

"Today, Verizon began an outreach and education program to make qualified residents on tribal lands aware of the discounted service program, known as Lifeline," said William Allan, a Verizon executive.

The Native American Lifeline service was announced earlier this year by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) in order to help bridge the Digital Divide, the so-called gap in technology between the haves and have nots. As part of its participation in the FCC order, Verizon plans on assisting customers with installation and extension of phone wires at reduced rates.

To qualify, residents of tribal lands with limited incomes must meet federal or state Lifeline qualifications or receive assistance from one of the following programs: Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribally-administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the Head Start Program's income requirements, and National School Lunch Program's free lunch program.

Verizon will offer the same service in Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin.

Relevant Links:
Verizon - www.verizon.com
The FCC - www.fcc.gov

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