Wireless Internet Consortium

 

The Wireless Internet Consortium is moving forward with 38 member districts. Region 10 Education Service Center will lead the consortium, file for E-rate discounts and act as fiscal agent. The RFP for wireless broadband Internet service is now being written. It will be referenced in the Form 470 which will be submitted May 23rd. The telecommunications company winning the bid will be announced after July 14th.

 

Wireless Internet Consortium will meet districts’ short-term and long-term needs, 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 district participating in the consortium.

 

Timeline

 

2/26/08        Initial meeting at Region 10, 2-5 PM, Ellis room

 

2/29/08        Videoconference presentation, 1-3 PM, for Districts unable to
                   attend the February 26th meeting.

 

3/28/08        Deadline for District so indicate an interest in participation

 

4/18/08        Deadline for District signed Letter of Agency

 

5/23/08        Submit Form 470 and RFP for Consortium E-rate discount

 

6/30/08         RFP Bid opening and start review of bids

 

7/14/08         Recommend contract with a Priority 1 telecommunications provider
                  

8/20/08        Region 10 Board reviews and approves contract

 

9/1/08          Sign contract with Priority 1 telecommunications provider

 

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

 

12/08           Telecommunications provider begins project to build network

 

7/1/09          Wireless network 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 that join the consortium for broadband Internet service benefit from an annual cost reduced by E-rate discount. The cost for Data services and Videoconference services will be invoiced separately and are not eligible for E-rate discount. A district may choose either the Data services or Videoconference services or both services.  For answers to questions you may have refer to the FAQ link on the navigatioin bar.

 

Districts that want to join the consortium should submit a Letter of Agency.. The form letter should be printed on district letterhead stationery, signed by the Superintendent and mailed to:

Gary Bowers
Region 10 Education Service Center
P.O. Box 831300
Richardson, TX 75083-1300

 

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