[OPLINLIST] Important E-rate information re:SOMACS T1 circuits

[Stephen Hedges]

If you apply for E-rate discounts on a T1 circuit that is purchased
from the statewide SOMACS contract (e.g. to a branch library), I
have just learned that there might be some changes to that contract
starting July 1. Because of that possibility, I would encourage you
to wait a week or so, until at least next Friday, to file your Form
471 if you have not already done so.

Q: How do I know if I have a SOMACS T1?
  A: You will be getting monthly bills from AT&T for $400 for each
T1 circuit to your branch(es).

Q: What might be changing?
  A: There seems to be a strong possibility that the contract will
be changed so you can either buy a T1 month-to-month (as is
currently the case), but the price will go up to $450 per month,
OR you can agree to a 24-month contract at $400 per month and will
need to put the contract number, start date, and end date on your
Form 471. If you chose the 24-month contract, there will be
penalties for disconnecting the T1 before the end of the contract.

Q: What if I've already filed a Form 471 for my SOMACS T1(s)?
  A: You might need to file an amendment to your Form 471. If the
SOMACS contract does indeed change, we will send out detailed
instructions on how to do that.
  If you HAVEN'T yet filed a Form 471 for your SOMACS T1(s), it's
much simpler to wait until any new contract is in place and change
your Form 471 before you file it. (Last date to file is February
12.)

Q: What if I do not buy any SOMACS T1(s) for my branch(es)?
  A: Then this message does not affect you.

I will keep everyone informed as soon as I hear anything new. I'm
happy to answer questions, but at this point I don't know much more
than what I have written above. I wish I could give you more
information, but I thought it was important to get this preliminary
news out to you ASAP.

Stephen

-- 
Stephen Hedges, Executive Director
Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN)
2323 W. 5th Avenue, Suite 130
Columbus, Ohio  43204
614-728-5250    AIM: hedgesst