A.

Funding Commitments for FY2006 and FY2005

B.

FY2007 Window Update

C.

Update on Service Provider Training

D.

Invoicing Update / Online BEAR Update

E.

Other

F.

General Questions Received by E-mail

1. In a midwestern state, the regional education consortium (which belongs under the state umbrella) has suggested working with a wireless provider to offer Internet. The school district would provide tower placement on top of their school buildings in exchange for the cost of the E-Rate contribution--meaning that the district or consortium would file for E-Rate, get USAC funds at ~60-70%, and then be subsidized the remaining 30-40% for the rent cost of tower space. The school district/consortium would pay NOTHING for this arrangement. Also this wireless vendor seems to be advertising for reduced consumer rates in the area, due to this "special" school deal.
While I know that this can be filed as a Code 9, it's a state-run consortium that is encouraging these applicants. Can you review the "Free Services Advisory" and how it would fit here? Thanks.

2. Some state networks are asking for Video Over IP on the 470 as a Telecom or Internet Access Service. Is that eligible? Can you explain why or why not? could you give all of us more information about the VoIP decisions?

3. We have data circuit service we provide to schools via ATT and are having our customers sign an early termination agreement that states if they disconnect the circuit prior to 15 months there will be an early termination charge of $1500.  This is an ATT policy and charge.  Would this be considered a contract for 470 application purposes?

4. There has been some confusion regarding the proper time line that an applicant should follow in preparing their technology plan.

It is my understanding that when an applicant is using their technology plan as the basis for their 470 Form, then that technology plan must be complete (that is cover all five required criteria) and include the services requested on the 470 Form (above and beyond basic phone service). It is also my understanding that minor changes may be made to the technology plan after the Form 470 is submitted.

Does the SLD require that this technology plan, used as a basis for the applicant's Form 470 be approved by any entity (state education agency or school board) before the 470 is posted? If the applicant had the plan notarized before the Form 470 was posted would this provide enough documentation to prove the plan was written and complete at the time the 470 was filed?

5. Can an applicant refer to a 470/associated contract of another city/county/jurisdiction (other than state) instead of posting their own 470?  IE.  if county procurement allows School District A to buy off of School District B's contracts; can School District B forgo issuing a 470 and rather just contract and submit a 471 based on the 470 issues/contracted by School District A?