[Conntech] E-Rate, Basic Telephone Service, and Technology Plans

[Douglas Lord]

For those of you who are interested in or already receive discounts
under the E-rate program.

There has been a change in how the E-Rate program treats Centrex (and
similar technologies such as PBX switch or other multi-line key system*)
that may be significant for many Connecticut libraries.  

On October 19, 2007 the FCC updated the official eligible services list
(see below for all links); this list includes Centrex (and other Public
Switched Telephone Network, or "PSTN" services) as a ‘basic’
service.  

This development effectively eliminates the requirement that applicants
file technology plans as long as they are only applying for E-rate
discounts on any local or long distance telephone services.  

This new definition takes effect in fiscal year 2008 (July 1, 2008
through the following June 30).  

Eligible services that will now NOT require a technology plan include:

●	800 service
●	Centrex
●	Local phone service
●	Long distance telephone service
●	POTS
●	Wireless telephone service (cellular and PCS)
●	Voice mail services

POTS is usually defined as wireline or wireless single-line voice
service.  Single-line wireline service is often referred to as Plain Old
Telephone Service ("POTS"), such as typically found in a residence or
very small business.   Single-line wireless service refers to cellular
or PCS service.

Though many Connecticut libraries are, perhaps, already receiving
discounts through consortia, I encourage prospective applicants to
investigate and take advantage of E-Rate discounts where possible. 
While there is considerable paperwork, the minimum discount level is
20%.

A couple of notes for the more technical among you; the E-Rate Central
website has noted that “One unfortunate confusion in the new ESL is
that certain digital technologies (such as ISDN/PRI), while not listed
as "basic," are often used to provide multi-line local and long distance
services.  Our interpretation (supported in part by the above noted FCC
waivers) is that such digital technologies can be used as components of
switched "basic telephone service," but that point-to-point digital
technology services would not be treated as "basic."

Also, note that data and video telecommunications services (e.g., T-1,
ISDN, etc.) are listed under Digital Transmission Services, not
Telephone Services, and are not be considered "basic."

The new, 64-page Eligible Services List is available online at
http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-07-182A2.doc.  

The October 19, 2007 Public Notice is available at
http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-07-182A1.doc.

www.eratecentral.com is a helpful website.

http://ct.webjunction.org/do/DisplayContent?id=6212 is our
Connecticut-specific site for e-rate on ct.webjunction.

http://www.universalservice.org/sl/ is the site of the Universal
Service Administrative Company (they administer E-Rate).

*Note: although the FCC's announcement focused on Centrex, extending
the definition of "basic" to include telephone services provided through
a PBX or key system falls in line with the FCC's longstanding policy of
technical neutrality.  Note that applicants applying for discounts on
the installation and/or maintenance of a PBX or key system do so under
the Internal Connections categories.

Please do not hesitate to contact me for information on this matter; I
will do my best to assist interested libraries.

Douglas C. Lord
Division of Library Development
Connecticut State Library
Middletown Library Service Center
786 South Main Street
Middletown, CT 06457
1-800-437-2313 (in CT only)
860-704-2204
http://ct.webjunction.org
dlord at cslib.org