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E-Rate Vendors

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American Telesis E-rate Info Johnnie Sage 800-297-1122 or 281-288-0757

Other Vendors

Funds for Learning Spectrum Communications World Telecom Group

E-Rate Links

Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) The official government website set up to assist schools, libraries and service providers. "The Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service Fund makes discounts available to eligible schools and libraries for telecommunication services, Internet access, and internal connections. The program is intended to ensure that schools and libraries have access to affordable telecommunications and information services. The Schools and Libraries Program reimburses telecommunications, Internet access, and internal connections providers for discounts on eligible services provided to schools and libraries. While schools and libraries apply for these discounts, USAC works in conjunction with service providers to make sure these discounts are passed on to program participants."

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Official E-Rate Page "Welcome to the FCC's informal education page. Technology has great power to enhance education. The FCC is working to bring every school and library in America into the information age. Join the dialogue to help spread the benefits of technology to schools and libraries nationwide. For more information, please visit the USAC Web Site or call their toll-free customer number at (888)-203-8100 for answers to questions concerning the Universal Service Application for Schools and Libraries. The SLD is an independent not-for-profit corporation established to administer universal service for Schools & Libraries. The Schools and Libraries Universal Service support mechanism was established as part of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 with the express purpose of providing affordable access to telecommunications services for all eligible schools and libraries, particularly those in rural and economically disadvantaged areas."

E-Rate News

Will E-Rate Be Revived? Getting software cycles aligned is just one of the technology-purchasing issues facing the nation's schools and libraries. These agencies are also on the hook to provide telecommunications and Internet service, two tech areas that can be difficult to navigate and susceptible to waste and abuse. But within a new telecommunications reform bill is language that could breathe new life into what's known as the E-rate program, a $2.25 billion fund for schools serving low-income areas that can help educational organizations acquire telecom and online services. NetworkingPipeline.com 7/6/6

FCC bars NEC, Inter-Tel from E-Rate program - Firms fined millions The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has temporarily barred two companies, including NEC-Business Network Solutions Inc., from receiving funds from a government program that helps schools and libraries in poor areas connect to the Internet. The FCC has suspended NEC from participating in the E-Rate program for six months and suspended Inter-Tel Technologies Inc. for one year. The two companies have pleaded guilty to fraud-related charges related to the E-Rate program, and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is conducting an ongoing investigation into fraud and waste of E-Rate funds. ITworld.com 7/6/6 FCC Inter-Tel Ruling FCC NEC Ruling

Indiana Pays Up For E-Rate Fraud Add the state of Indiana to the growing list of E-Rate fraudsters. Earlier this week, Indiana agreed to pay nearly $8.3 million to the U.S. government as part of a civil settlement involving the state's now-defunct Intelenet Commission, which handled E-rate payments. InternetNews.com 7/6/6

PUSD E-rate audit begins - Board member expresses concerns An independent audit of Pomona Unified's E-Rate program has begun, with one board member demanding a complete accounting of the district's use of federal technology funds. DailyBulletin.com 7/6/6

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