[OPLINTECH] Fwd: E-Rate & COVID-19 Update

[Don Yarman]

Late-breaking email from Lorrie Germann, the state's E-rate data
coordinator and guru.

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.

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.

                    Don Yarman
                    Director, Ohio Public Library Information Network
                    2323 W Fifth Ave Suite 130, Columbus OH 43204
                    don at oplin.ohio.gov | 614.728.5250

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Lorrie Germann <lorrie.germann at education.ohio.gov>
Date: Mon, Mar 30, 2020 at 3:30 PM
Subject: E-Rate & COVID-19 Update
To: Don Yarman <director at oplin.ohio.gov>


Hello E-Rate Family,

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 *current* 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.

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 “*Hotspot Sample RFP*” that you can use on my website located at
https://www.ohio-k12.help/erate/e-rate-resources/ at the top of the page .

*Form 470 steps to be aware of:*

   - Choose “Category 1”
   - Upload RFP, and then check the box on the next screen to associate it
   with your Category 1 request
   - Under “Add New Service Request”, choose “Cellular Data/Air Card
   Service”
   - Enter the minimum quantity you are seeking
   - Enter “Minimum Capacity” (I recommend 1GBPS)
   - Enter “Maximum Capacity” (I recommend 5GBPS)
   - 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.

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.

*Please note; **currently, only school-owned devices, using school-provided
Internet, while on school campus, must be filtered.* So, if you’re
providing laptops and/or hotspots/air cards to students, the *current*
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.

Take care, and stay safe!

Sincerely,

Lorrie
*Lorrie Germann*
State E-Rate Coordinator
On behalf of the Ohio Department of Education
lorrie.germann at education.ohio.gov
www.ohio-k12.help/erate
*Office:* 740-223-2420
*Cell:* 740-253-1153
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