E-RATE--TELECOMMUNICATIONS DISCOUNTS

Illinois public libraries and library consortia with public library members are eligible for the E-rate program, which is administered by the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) of the Universal Service Administrative Corporation (USAC). Discounts ranging from 20% to 90% are available for telecommunications services, Internet access and internal connections.

Funding Awards to Illinois Schools and Libraries:

Funding Year 9 - Funding Year 2006 (July 1, 2006 - June 30, 2007 - $94,228,331.67
Funding Year 8 - Funding Year 2005 (July 1, 2005 - June 30, 2006 - $92,772,796.80
Funding Year 7 - Funding Year 2004 (July 1, 2004 - June 30, 2005 - $88,669,645.39
Funding Year 6 - Funding Year 2003 (July 1, 2003 - June 30, 2004 - $72,138,065.92
Funding Year 5 - Funding Year 2002 (July 1, 2002 - June 30, 2003 - $84,283,353.68
Funding Year 4 - Funding Year 2001 (July 1, 2001 - June 30, 2002 - $78,054,779.66
Funding Year 3 - Funding Year 2000 (July 1, 2000 - June 30, 2001 - $117,107,893.89
Funding Year 2 - Funding Year 1999 (July 1, 1999 - June 30, 2000 - $166,721,800.04
Funding Year 1 - Funding Year 1998 (July 1, 1998 - June 30, 1999 - $81,026,459.90

Please note: This does not include the library applications under the category "consortia" (which could also include school consortia). This does not include applications under appeal and pending applications.

About the E-rate program: http://www.sl.universalservice.org/

Application process:

http://www.universalservice.org/sl/applicants/

Eligible Services List:

http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-07-182A2.pdf

Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA): E-rate applicants must follow the Children's Internet Protect Act if the application covers Internet access and/or internal connections. Discounts for telecommunications services (provided by a telecommunications carrier) do not require CIPA compliance.

• CIPA and E-rate: http://www.sl.universalservice.org/reference/CIPAfaq.asp
• CIPA and ISBE: http://www.isbe.net/curriculum/elearning/pdfs/e-rate_filtering_update.pdf
• CIPA and ICN: http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/library/what_we_do/erate.html

Calculating your discount:

• Discount matrix: http://www.sl.universalservice.org/reference/dmatrix.asp
• Rural counties in Illinois: http://www.sl.universalservice.org/reference/msa/illinois.asp
• Illinois Free and Reduced School Lunch program data: http://www.isbe.net/nutrition/htmls/eligiblity_listings.htm (contact the school district for the most recent data)

Technology Planning:

If a library or library consortia is applying for services other than plain old telephone services (defined as basic local, cellular, PCS, and/or long distance telephone service and/or voice mail), the technology plan must be written prior to submitting Form 470. The plan does not need to be approved/certified by the State Library until Form 486 is submitted but the plan must be developed prior to beginning the application process. The technology plan should justify the services that are being sought via Form 470.

• Criteria for technology plans (from the Schools and Libraries Division): http://www.sl.universalservice.org/apply/step2.asp.
• Length: The plans should cover no more than three years, according to Schools and Libraries criteria
• Certification process: Plans are reviewed and certified by the library system staff prior to review and certification by the Illinois State Library. Libraries should send technology plans to the library system headquarters. Certification form

Timetable:

The application process involves several steps.

The forms are available on the SLD web site: http://www.sl.universalservice.org/form/default.asp
Most forms can be filed electronically: http://www.sl.universalservice.org/menu.asp

• Form 470: (similar to a purchase order). Can be filled out at any time
• Form 471: Filed during a "window" timeframe announced each year by the SLD. The window is usually from mid-November through mid-February. Form 471 cannot be filed until at least 28 days after Form 470 (if needed) is filed.
• Form 486: Indicates services are still needed and if CIPA compliance is met, if applicable.
• Form 472: Reimbursement request.

E-rate funding years:
Year 1: FY1998 (Jan. 1998 - June 1999 - an 18-month "year")
Year 2: FY1999 (July 1999 - June 2000)
Year 3: FY2000 (July 2000 - June 2001)
Year 4: FY2001 (July 2001 - June 2002)
Year 5: FY2002 (July 2002 - June 2003)
Year 6: FY2003 (July 2003 - June 2004)
Year 7: FY2004 (July 2004 - June 2005)
Year 8: FY2005 (July 2005 - June 2006)
Year 9: FY2006 (July 2005 - June 2007)

If you have any questions about technology plans and E-rate, please contact your library system E-rate contact or Connie Frankenfeld at the Illinois State Library (217/782-5432 or cfrankenfeld at ilsos.net).