<div dir="ltr">Late-breaking email from Lorrie Germann, the state's E-rate data coordinator and guru.<div><br></div><div>While this message is focused on schools, Lorrie tells me that it applies to libraries as well: if the rule against using E-rate funding for hotspots is waived, then libraries may want to file a form 470 now, as the last day to file a 470 is currently April 1. </div><div><br></div><div>I am working with Lorrie to draft a library version of her sample RFP, but I wanted to get the word out to libraries so they could begin thinking whether they wanted to rush a 470 out to expand their Wifi Hotspot Lending programs.</div><div><br></div><div><div dir="ltr"> Don Yarman<br> Director, Ohio Public Library Information Network<br> 2323 W Fifth Ave Suite 130, Columbus OH 43204<br> <a href="mailto:don@oplin.ohio.gov" target="_blank">don@oplin.ohio.gov</a> | 614.728.5250</div><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_attr">---------- Forwarded message ---------<br>From: <strong class="gmail_sendername" dir="auto">Lorrie Germann</strong> <span dir="auto"><<a href="mailto:lorrie.germann@education.ohio.gov" target="_blank">lorrie.germann@education.ohio.gov</a>></span><br>Date: Mon, Mar 30, 2020 at 3:30 PM<br>Subject: E-Rate & COVID-19 Update<br>To: Don Yarman <<a href="mailto:director@oplin.ohio.gov" target="_blank">director@oplin.ohio.gov</a>><br></div><br><br>
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Hello E-Rate Family,<br><br>
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With the closing of schools, and the uncertainty of when things will “get back to normal”, I know many of you are struggling to continue to provide instruction. Especially in the case where students may not have adequate Internet Access at their homes. As we look for various funding sources, I want to remind that you under <strong>current</strong> E-Rate rules, hotspots/air cards for home use are not eligible for E-Rate funding. However, we have reached out to the FCC to ask that they waive that rule, at least temporarily. We have not received a response yet, but to plan for the possibility, you may want to file a Form 470 to request them, if the school/district is looking to go that route. Even if the rule isn’t waived, you can use the Form 470 just as a bidding mechanism and possibly increase the exposure your request may receive.<br><br>
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When filing the Form 470 for hotspots/air cards, the online portal will require that you upload an RFP document. I’ve provided a simple template called “<strong>Hotspot Sample RFP</strong>” that you can use on my website located at <a href="https://www.ohio-k12.help/erate/e-rate-resources/" target="_blank">https://www.ohio-k12.help/erate/e-rate-resources/</a> at the top of the page . <br><br>
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<strong>Form 470 steps to be aware of:</strong><br>
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<li style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial,'Helvetica Neue',Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:15px;line-height:24px;text-align:left;margin-bottom:10px">Choose “Category 1”</li>
<li style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial,'Helvetica Neue',Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:15px;line-height:24px;text-align:left;margin-bottom:10px">Upload RFP, and then check the box on the next screen to associate it with your Category 1 request</li>
<li style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial,'Helvetica Neue',Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:15px;line-height:24px;text-align:left;margin-bottom:10px">Under “Add New Service Request”, choose “Cellular Data/Air Card Service”</li>
<li style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial,'Helvetica Neue',Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:15px;line-height:24px;text-align:left;margin-bottom:10px">Enter the minimum quantity you are seeking</li>
<li style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial,'Helvetica Neue',Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:15px;line-height:24px;text-align:left;margin-bottom:10px">Enter “Minimum Capacity” (I recommend 1GBPS)</li>
<li style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial,'Helvetica Neue',Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:15px;line-height:24px;text-align:left;margin-bottom:10px">Enter “Maximum Capacity” (I recommend 5GBPS)</li>
<li style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial,'Helvetica Neue',Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:15px;line-height:24px;text-align:left;margin-bottom:10px">In the “Narrative” explain this is a request for “Cellular Data/Air Card Service” for students who do not have Internet Access at home and required for them to continue their education during the COVID-19 crisis.</li>
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The 470 deadline is currently April 1st, so it doesn’t leave much time. But it’s recommended you start the process should the deadline be extended further. <br><br>
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<strong>Please note; </strong><strong>currently, only school-owned devices, using school-provided Internet, while on school campus, must be filtered.</strong> So, if you’re providing laptops and/or hotspots/air cards to students, the <strong>current</strong> E-Rate rules do not require filtering. However, I would recommend that you make all parents or guardians aware if the service you choose does not provide filtering.<br><br>
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Take care, and stay safe!<br><br>
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Sincerely,<br><br>
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Lorrie
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State E-Rate Coordinator<br>On behalf of the Ohio Department of Education<br><a href="mailto:lorrie.germann@education.ohio.gov" target="_blank">lorrie.germann@education.ohio.gov</a><br>www.ohio-k12.help/erate<br><span><strong>Office:</strong> 740-223-2420</span><br><strong>Cell:</strong> 740-253-1153</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr>
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