Project Kick-off Meeting

 

The Project Kick-off Meeting was held by videoconference October 1, 2:30 PM with the Conterra Project Manager, Mike Boyarsky. Mike discussed the project plans and process for completing site surveys and build out of the network.  Participation from district staff is is important in every step of completing this project by July 2009.. 

 

You may view a video stream of the 48 minute meeting by clicking here.

 

You may download the Project Kick-off Meeting PowerPoint here.

 

The District Project Check List mentioned in the meeting is available for download.

 

Review this check list and start to collect the information needed to facilitate the site survey at your district.  The site surveys are expected to begin in November.

 

Please contact Gary Bowers is you have any questions about the meeting at gary.bowers@region10.org or 972 348-1336.

 

 

 

Wireless Internet Consortium

 

The Wireless Internet Consortium represents 38 member school districts for wireless broadband Internet service.  Education Service Center Region 10 will lead the consortium, file for E-rate discounts and act as fiscal agent.

 

The consortium's Form 470 has been accepted by the Schools and Library Division for wireless broadband Internet service.  August 20, 2008 Conterra Ultra Broadband was awarded the contract to provide 20 Mbps Internet service to each member school district of the Wireless Internet Consortium.

 

This service will meet districts’ short-term and long-term needs for Internet bandwidth, beginning fall, 2009. This broadband wireless Internet service qualifies for E-rate discounts and will provide significantly more Internet bandwidth than any solution currently available throughout Region 10’s service area. The network is designed to support 20 Mbps of dedicated Internet bandwidth to each member school district and is designed to provide additional bandwidth in the future.

 

Timeline

8/20/08       Region 10 Board awards contract to Conterra Ultra Broadband

 

9/1/08          Negotiate contract

 

10/1/08        Project Kick-off Meeting with Conterra Project Manager

 

11/08           Site surveys begin

 

11/08           File Form 471 for E-rate funding inside Window

 

12/08           Telecommunications provider begins project to build wireless network

 

7/1/09          Network site testing begins

 

8/1/09          Wireless Internet service provided to consortium member districts

 

8/1/09          File Form 486 to confirm service is being provided

 

8/1/09          File Form 472 for discount reimbursement

 

8/09             Consortium member districts invoiced for Internet service

 

 

Districts members of the consortium benefit from an annual cost reduced by E-rate discount for 20 Mbps broadband Internet service. The cost for Data services and Videoconference services will be invoiced separately and are not eligible for E-rate discount. A district may choose both services, or either the Data service or Videoconference service.  For answers to questions you may have refer to the FAQ link on the navigatioin bar or contact Gary Bowers.

Gary Bowers
Region 10 Education Service Center
400 E. Spring Valley Rd.
Richardson, TX 75081-5101

 

Please contact Gary Bowers, gary.bowers@region10.org or 972 348-1336 if you have any questions or comments.