[OPLINTECH] E-Rate and Hotspots

[Don Yarman]

As you've no doubt heard, the FCC ordered that E-Rate funds will cover the
purchase and service costs of the hotspots many libraries lend to the
public. To assist libraries in taking advantage of these funds, OPLIN has
released a statewide call for bids (E-Rate form 470) to collect proposals
from vendors. Our plan is that libraries may choose one of these proposals
to request their own E-Rate discounts/refunds for the E-Rate funding year
starting July 2025.

Note: you can't just apply for discounts on your current service plan
because E-Rate requires an open, competitive bidding process. *If you want
to continue with your current vendor, please encourage your vendor to bid
on OPLIN's 470.* (Tell your vendor that OPLIN's entity number is 17000247,
and the application number is 250006641.)

Want to know more? Sign up for our Library Hotspot Webinar
<https://events.library.ohio.gov/event/13623604>. Lorrie Germann, State
E-Rate Coordinator, will cover common questions like:

   - How much funding is available for my library?
   - Can I just pay for my current hotspots with these new funds?
   - What are the best practices when filing for hotspots?
   - Why should I go through the hassle of E-Rate for my hotspots?
   - How can OPLIN help to minimize the hassle?

There will be plenty of time for other questions and answers as well.

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