E-rate Update - Odds and Ends
Message Posted February 20, 1998
SLC Web Site Running Faster
Good news! If you've been on the SLC web site in the past 10 days, you know that it is running much faster than during the first two weeks of operation. The glich they were experiencing has been fixed and users now will find the site much more responsive. If you still have Form 470's to submit, I encourage you to use the SLC web site to do so. One suggestion: If you will be filing a Form 470 for new services, you may want to go on the SLC web site and search posted applications to use as a model. Such applications can be found in either the Schools and Libraries or the Service Provider areas by clicking on "Search Posted Applications." Simply type in PA and click "next" to view the entire list of PA schools and libraries who have submitted Form 470's for new services. The less fields you indicate to search, the better. And if you want to view YOUR posted application for new services, simply enter your Universal Service Control Number and click "next"; no other information is necessary.
Better File Soon
Although it may seem like far away, the April 14 closing date of the 75-day window is fast approaching. If you haven't filed your Form 470's, particularly for new services, you may want to do it by the end of February. This is because if you count the 28 days that your application must be posted on the SLC web site, add in approximately a week to evaluate bids, obtain board approval (if required), award contracts, and complete and submit Form 471 to SLC, you are running almost up to the last day to of the 75-day window.
Form 486 and Billing
Many of you have inquired about Form 486 and the accompanying billing procedures. Although I don't have a wealth of information to share, I do know that the SLC has been focusing a significant amount of their efforts on this issue during the last three weeks and that such procedures should be released shortly. We expect that the topic will be addressed during the March 4 Teleconference and we certainly will pass along any information we receive in the meantime.
E-rate Survey for Existing Contracts
Thank you to everyone who has returned the E-rate survey on Existing Services that we sent last week (we've received about 350 so far). If you haven't submitted your completed survey, please do so as soon as possible. The data we collect will be compiled with the information that we can obtain from the new services posted on the SLC web site and then illustrated through maps that Jim Williams of the University of Pittsburgh is developing.
Total Applications Filed
As of 2/19 at noon, a total of 15,160 Form 470s had been filed with the SLC. Of those, about 83% were filed electronically, and about 72% were applications for new services. Of the total 15,160 applications filed, almost 1,000 were from Pennsylvania schools and libraries.
-- Julie
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