Strategies to maximize your fair share of E-rate Modernization Presentation, presented by Catherine Banker, VectorUSA, Director of Education Compliance

1. E-Rate
Modernization

2. E-RATE MODERNIZATION GOALS
Close the Wi-Fi gap – get broadband to classrooms at speeds no less than 100 Mbps with a target
of 1 Gbps
WAN dedicated services scalable to 10 Gbps per 1000 students
Make the rules fair – increase the likelihood of funding for higher wealth districts
Maximize existing funding – streamline the program making it faster, simpler, more efficient for all
schools and libraries

3. CLOSING THE GAP
The order sets a target of $1 billion for eligible internal connections for 2015 and 2016
– Category 2
No new money was added – still $2.25 billion adjusted for inflation – instead the program was
restructured – taking from phone services to fund internal connections
Priority 1 – Category 1 was gutted and only broadband (including dial-up) is eligible. POTS or
phone services will be phased out in five years.

4. SEVENTH REPORT AND ORDER IN SHORT
Not simplified in reality
From the Order – “test a more equitable approach to funding internal connections for applicants
who seek support in funding years 2015 and 2016”
Program is still not adequately funded
Takes from Category 1 to provide/pay for Category 2
No identified funding after two years for internal connections
Enhanced enforcement of program rules

5. CATEGORY 2 – INTERNAL CONNECTIONS
Highest discount will be 85% for Category 2
All districts and libraries will use school district-wide discount based on Discount Matrix
$150 pre-discount funding will be available for districts on a per-student, per-site basis over a five-year
period
Libraries will be funded at $2.30 per square foot over five-year period

6. DISCOUNT MATRIX
Category One
schools and libraries discount matrix
Category Two
schools and libraries discount matrix
Discount Level Discount Level
% of students eligible for National School Lunches Program Urban discount Rural Discount Urban discount Rural Discount
< 1…………………………………
1-19……………………………….
20-34……………………………..
35-49……………………………..
50-74……………………………..
75-100……………………………
20
40
50
60
80
90
25
50
60
70
80
90
20
40
50
60
80
85
25
50
60
70
80
85

7. CATEGORY 2 – INTERNAL CONNECTIONS
Floor of $9,200 for small schools less than 62 students for five years - 62 students would be over
the $9,200
Floor of $9,200 for small libraries

8. ELIGIBLE SERVICES LIST
Access Points used in a LAN or Wireless LAN
Cabling for all related components used for internal broadband connections
Caching servers
Firewalls used to ensure the continued operation of eligible equipment
Network switches and routers
Racks that support eligible internal connections components

9. ELIGIBLE SERVICES LIST
UPS/battery backup
Wireless LAN controllers
Software necessary to support eligible equipment, includes client access licenses for LAN/WLAN
Functionality can be virtualized for the above eligible equipment
Multi-year warranty’s: Up to three years and provided at no cost are eligible
Ineligible equipment such as call managers must be cost allocated out of racks, UPS support, etc.

10. ELIGIBLE SERVICES LIST
Fees and charges that are a necessary component of an eligible product or service are
eligible including:
Change fees
Contingency fees are eligible if they are reasonable and a regular business practice of the
service provider. Contingency fees will be reimbursed only if the work is performed.
Freight assurance fees
Lease fees to rent or lease eligible components

11. ELIGIBLE SERVICES LIST
Per diem and/or travel time costs are eligible only if a contract with a vendor for the
eligible product or services specifically provides for these costs
Shipping charges
Taxes, surcharges, and other similar, reasonable charges incurred in obtaining an
eligible product or service are eligible

12. BASIC MAINTENANCE
Still eligible for districts that apply for funding for 2015 and 2016:
Support will only be available for maintenance on equipment and services on the ESL
and not for any of the legacy services phased out in the FCC’s Report and Order.

13. MANAGED WI -FI
Managed Wi-Fi is eligible:
Category 2 funded – part of $150 per student
$30 per student per year maximum
Must be leased or district/library-owned equipment
Can be provided by third party

14. MAXIMIZING COST EFFECTIVENESS
Adopting transparency measures – potentially posting all “Item 21s”
Encourage consortia purchasing – may see more consortia buying
Must provide the Lowest Corresponding Price (LCP)

15. SIMPLIFYING THE PROGRAM
Simplifying the application process for multi-year contracts
Reducing PIA review to only the first year
Easing the signed contract requirement – allowing for emails, but we should we cautious
Removing the Technology Plan requirement
Non-instructional facilities no longer covered
Start date for C2 Services is April 1 but billing cannot occur until July 1

16. SIMPLIFYING DISCOUNT RATE CALCULATIONS
Requires a district-wide discount rate – no more bundling of 90% schools
Modifying the definition of urban and rural – using Census data to determine designation
Modifying the requirement for applicants using the survey

17. SIMPLIFY INVOICE/DISBURSEMENT PROCESS
Allowing direct invoicing by schools and libraries
BEAR goes directly to applicant instead of service provider
Adopting an invoicing deadline
Allowing a one-time extension of 120 days
After that, must extend through FCC waiver

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