E rate modernization federations 2015
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E-Rate Modernization may present challenges to Montana libraries but it appears essential to achieving necessary bandwidth upgrades.
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E rate modernization federations 2015
- 18. ProficientTelecom E-Rate proposal February 2015
Editor's Notes
- E-Rate was established as part of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 It is under the purview of the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and is administered by USAC (Universal Services Administrative Company) It is the only program that I know of that provides discounts for ongoing costs for telecommunications and Internet for schools and libraries CIPA (Children’s Internet Protection Act) complicated matters for libraries because of filtering requirements. At that time many libraries opted out of E-Rate funds that were subject to CIPA FCC reviewed program, took comments and issued E-Rate Modernization in 2014
- USAC has strongly advised online filing for some time now. But this year is the first where only online forms will be accepted. Paper forms were, in the past, a viable option if there were problems with online filing at the end of the 471 filing window. If we see problems this year, it will be interesting to see how they choose to resolve them.
- To use Lewis & Clark public library as an example – Helena is now considered urban, but the other outlets – East Helena, Augusta, Lincoln are all rural. Therefore the system is rural. Discount will be based on NSLP data from Helena school district but classified as rural.
- These are the advertised speeds as reported in the 2013 public library statistics. None meet the FCC goals for libraries.
- Here are the broadband testing figures reported by Broad Valleys libraries. For some reason, not all showed up. Speeds will vary depending on how many people are on the network. Here’s the link if you want to test your library’s speed: http://mtbroadband.org/montana-library-broadband-speed-test-opt-in/
- I tested by home Internet speed and discovered it’s faster than the libraries who’ve tested theirs.
- It’s also faster than Montana averages in most categories.
- This chart comes up at the end of the speed test and gives you some context for what the speeds mean.
- It would be nice if it were as easy as multiplying the number of users times the type of Internet service being used to determine just what kind of capacity is needed to meet community needs. But we can tell that people using the library’s Internet with library computers or their own devices will require greater bandwidth as they turn to more visual media – video conferencing, streaming video. Participating in statewide projects like Montana Memory Project where libraries upload large amounts of visual data also require greater upload bandwidth.
- We’re hoping to do some calculations to see how much Montana libraries are paying per megabyte of bandwidth. Are there regional/service provider trends? Can we get more uniform pricing and service?
- This is a map of fiber in Montana from 2011. Presumably there is more since then. We can see that there is a lot of fiber across the state so it probably isn’t very far from most of our libraries. But we may still have to look at last mile costs to bring that fiber to our library doorsteps.
- This chart came from an E-Rate proposal received by Rosebud County library in this E-Rate cycle. I don’t know how representative these prices are but they represent a huge increase over what our libraries are currently paying for Internet.
- 11 out of 21 are applying – roughly half. Doesn’t include 3 school/community libraries where school applies on behalf of library.
- From USAC website: http://usac.org/sl/applicants/step06/cipa.aspx
- From USAC website: http://usac.org/sl/applicants/step06/cipa.aspx
- I am concerned that our public library Internet users are facing two potential kinds of barriers to access – one is the barrier of filtering which may prevent them from accessing sites/content they need. The other is inadequate bandwidth to view content, particularly video, or take part in bandwidth intensive activities because our libraries can’t afford the necessary bandwidth.
- The big stumbling block on CIPA is the Technology Protection Measure aka filtering requirement. It requires the blocking of child pornography and obscene items. Obscenity is defined within MCA 45-8-201: http://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/45/8/45-8-201.htm
- Interestingly, in MCA – obscenity seems to be limited to those 18 and under. This would appear to make it particularly challenging to block adult sites from adults.
- ALA is also considering how to help libraries make use of E-Rate. There are problems with consortial applications. Cities and counties would have to give permission to another entity to bargain and contract for library internet services on their behalf. But MSL could file RFPs and do 470s on behalf of libraries. Libraries could then choose which services to accept on a 471.
- We need to keep looking at funding options – state, local, private to pay for necessary broadband upgrades and ongoing costs.